amobarbital
n. an intermediate-acting, rapidly excreted barbiturate that was formerly used as a sedative and hypnotic. Like other barbiturates, its toxicity has led to its clinical eclipse by safer agents, such as the benzodiazepines. Amobarbital abuse can result in addiction, stupor, and death. It was occasionally used to conduct interviews (Amytal interviews) designed to elicit unconscious material from patients, as well as information that was consciously withheld. Such interviews were also used in attempting to distinguish between patients who were malingering and those who had a bona fide conversion disorder. Due to numerous legal and ethical issues surrounding amobarbital interviews, in addition to the medical risks associated with administration of barbiturates, such techniques are no longer acceptable in modern clinical practice. U.S. trade name: Amytal.