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couch

n. in psychoanalysis, the article of furniture on which the patient reclines. The use of the couch is based on the theory that this posture will facilitate free association, encourage the patient to direct attention inward to his or her world of feeling and fantasy, and enable the patient to access his or her unconscious mind. The expression “on the couch” is sometimes used popularly to indicate psychoanalytic treatment. Also called analytic couch.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

imipramine

imipramine

n. a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) with a tertiary amine molecular structure. It was originally synthesized in the hope of creating an effective antipsychotic but was observed to be ineffective in reducing psychotic symptoms. It did, however, seem to help individuals with severe depression and was subsequently marketed as an antidepressant. It is considered the prototype TCA, and like all tricyclic agents, its use as an antidepressant has been largely supplanted by less toxic drugs. It retains a therapeutic role as a sedative and adjunct in the management of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal pain. U.S. trade name: Tofranil.