genetic defect

any abnormality (mutation) in a gene or a chromosome. Generally, the defect is expressed in a failure to synthesize a normally functioning enzyme that is required for a specific step in building a certain body cell or for a vital stage in the metabolism of a food element.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

primary insomnia

in DSM–IV–TR, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining a restorative sleep to a degree in which the severity and persistence of the sleep disturbance causes clinically significant distress, impairment in a significant area of functioning, or both. The disorder is not caused by a general medical condition or the effects of a substance and is not exclusively an aspect of another sleep disorder or mental disorder. It is termed insomnia disorder in DSM–5. See dyssomnia. Compare primary hypersomnia.