nicotine dependence

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of repeated or compulsive use of nicotine despite significant nicotine-related behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems, with tolerance and characteristic withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended (see nicotine withdrawal). The equivalent term in DSM–5 is tobacco use disorder. See also substance dependence.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

antilibidinal ego

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst W. Ronald D. Fairbairn (1889–1964), the portion of the ego structure that is similar to Sigmund Freud’s superego. The antilibidinal ego constitutes a nonpleasure-gratifying, self-deprecatory, or even hostile self-image; it is posited to develop out of the unitary ego present at birth when the infantile libidinal ego (similar to the id) experiences deprivation at the hands of the parent and the infant suppresses his or her frustrated needs. Also called internal saboteur. See Fairbairnian theory.