cocaine dependence

in DSM–IV–TR, repeated or continued use of cocaine despite significant cocaine-related behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems and tolerance or characteristic withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended. In DSM–5, cocaine dependence has been combined with cocaine abuse into a single disorder, and neither is considered a distinct diagnosis any longer (see stimulant use disorder). See also substance dependence.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

herpetic neuralgia

pain associated with shingles, caused by reactivation of the herpes varicella-zoster virus (see herpes infection). Following an attack of chicken pox, the virus lies dormant in a dorsal nerve root and ganglion of the spinal cord; when reactivated, it spreads down the sensory nerve, causing vesicle formation and severe, burning, lancinating pain. This acute pain typically resolves in 3 to 5 weeks, but patients often develop the chronic, debilitating pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.