clozapine

n. an atypical antipsychotic agent of the dibenzodiazepine class: the first of the atypical antipsychotics to be used clinically and released into the U.S. market in 1990. Although regarded by some as the most effective of all antipsychotic drugs, clozapine has problematic side effects that have limited its use. Among others, these adverse effects may include weight gain, sedation, and—importantly—agranulocytosis, which may occur in 1% to 2% of patients treated with the drug. Use of clozapine therefore requires frequent monitoring of white blood cell counts in patients and is generally reserved for patients who have responded suboptimally to other antipsychotic agents. U.S. trade name: Clozaril.

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Psychology term of the day

February 24th 2025

mental disorder

any condition characterized by cognitive and emotional disturbances, abnormal behaviors, impaired functioning, or any combination of these. Such disorders cannot be accounted for solely by environmental circumstances and may involve physiological, genetic, chemical, social, and other factors. Specific classifications of mental disorders are elaborated in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (see DSM–IV–TR; DSM–5) and the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases. Also called mental illness; psychiatric disorder; psychiatric illness; psychological disorder. See also psychopathology.