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distal stimulus

in perception, the actual object in the environment that stimulates or acts on a sense organ. Compare proximal stimulus.

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

cocaine abuse

cocaine abuse

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of cocaine use marked by recurrent significant adverse consequences related to the repeated ingestion of the substance. This diagnosis is preempted by the diagnosis of cocaine dependence: If the criteria for cocaine abuse and cocaine dependence are both met, only the latter diagnosis is given. In DSM–5, however, both have been combined into one category, stimulant use disorder, and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance abuse.