enzyme induction

the ability of drugs or other substances to increase the activity of enzymes, especially hepatic (liver) enzymes, that are responsible for the metabolism of those drugs or other substances. The cytochrome P450 hepatic enzymes, which are responsible for the metabolism of numerous psychotropic compounds, are susceptible to induction. Barbiturates, alcohol, benzodiazepines, some anticonvulsants, and steroids may induce hepatic enzymes, usually resulting in a decrease in activity of the drug or other substances metabolized via the same enzyme system. Substances contained in cigarette smoke, charbroiled meat, and environmental pollutants are also capable of enzyme induction.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

object constancy

1. in object relations theory, the ability of an infant to maintain an attachment that is relatively independent of gratification or frustration, based on a cognitive capacity to conceive of a mother who exists when she is out of sight and who has positive attributes when she is unsatisfying. Thus, an infant becomes attached to the mother herself rather than to her tension-reducing ministrations; she comes to exist continuously for the infant and not only during instances of need satisfaction. This investment by an infant in a specific libidinal object indicates that he or she no longer finds people to be interchangeable.

2. see perceptual constancy.