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critical

adj.

1. essential or necessary as an attribute or as a part of some process. A critical period, for example, is an essential stage in the developmental process.

2. emphasizing real or imagined faults.

3. characterized by or denoting thorough, impartial evaluation or review.

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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.