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idiosyncratic intoxication

a condition characterized by sudden and extreme changes in personality, mood, and behavior following the ingestion of an amount of alcohol usually considered to be too little to account for the degree of the changes. It may include extreme excitement, impulsive and aggressive behavior (at times to the point of extreme violence), persecutory ideas, disorientation, and hallucinations. The episode ends when the individual falls into a deep sleep, after which there is often complete loss of memory for it. Some researchers believe that the condition may be related to stress or may be due in part to a psychomotor seizure triggered by alcohol. Also called mania a potu; pathological intoxication. See also furor.

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Psychology term of the day

December 3rd 2024

5-HTTLPR

5-HTTLPR

abbreviation for serotonin transporter–linked polymorphism region. See serotonin transporter.