medication

n. any drug available by prescription or over the counter to aid in the treatment of an illness, disease, disorder, or condition. Medications specifically used to treat mental health disorders tend to be prescribed therapeutic agents with psychoactive effects (see psychoactive drug). Overmedication—the taking of more than the prescribed dose of a drug or drugs—may occur when medication is not properly monitored. Self-medication is usually associated with individuals who use drugs or alcohol inappropriately to alleviate emotional problems. See also prescribing psychology.

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Psychology term of the day

November 21st 2024

feedback system

a circuit in which output information (e.g., biological, mechanical) is used to modulate the input to the same circuit. In a negative feedback system, the output is used to reduce the input; such systems play important roles in maintaining equilibrium of processes within organisms. See homeostasis; positive feedback.