ergot alkaloid

any of a group of pharmacologically active substances derived from the parasitic fungus Claviceps purpurea, which grows naturally on rye and other grains. Although highly toxic, ergot alkaloids have been used for centuries by midwives to induce abortion or labor. A number have been isolated, including lysergic acid, and the compounds are sometimes utilized as adrenergic blocking agents (see ergot derivative). Epidemics of ergot poisoning (ergotism) were widespread in Europe until relatively modern times; symptoms included peripheral vasoconstriction (occasionally to the point of gangrene) and changes in mental functioning, including visual hallucinations. Because of the pharmacological relationship between ergot and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), the hallucinogenic effects are similar to those of LSD.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

regret theory

a model of decision making that states that people’s fear of, and previous experience with, regretting poor choices plays a large role in motivating or deterring their behavior in situations involving uncertainty. For example, a person who regrets buying, on the advice of a good friend, a used car that subsequently requires expensive repairs likely will disregard the friend’s advice in the future in order to avoid the potential for similar regret. Within this framework, regret is considered to have two distinct components—the wish that one had chosen differently and the self-recrimination involved in believing one made an error in judgment. Associated with behavioral economics, regret theory is a parallel to prospect theory. See also anticipatory regret. [originally proposed in 1982 by British economists Graham C. Loomes (1950– ) and Robert Sugden (1949– )]