Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


opioid

n. any of a group of compounds that include the naturally occurring opiates (e.g., morphine) and their semisynthetic derivatives (e.g., heroin); the synthetic opioid agonists (e.g., meperidine, methadone), opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone, naltrexone), and mixed agonist–antagonists (e.g., butorphanol); and the endogenous opioids. The effects of opioids include analgesia, drowsiness, euphoria or other mood changes, respiratory depression, and reduced gastrointestinal motility. Opioids are used clinically as pain relievers, anesthetics, cough suppressants, and antidiarrheal drugs, and many are subject to abuse and 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 17th 2024

ghost sickness

ghost sickness

a culture-bound syndrome found in Native American communities and attributed to ghosts or sometimes witchcraft. Symptoms include recurring nightmares, weakness, loss of appetite, fear, anxiety, hallucinations, confusion, and a sense of suffocation.