sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-induced persisting amnestic disorder

a disturbance in memory due to the persisting effects of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs. The ability to learn new information or to recall previously learned information is impaired enough to interfere markedly with social or occupational functioning and to represent a significant decline from a previous level of functioning. Unlike those diagnosed with alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder, people diagnosed with this disorder can recover memory functioning.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

reciprocal inhibition

1. a technique in behavior therapy that aims to replace an undesired response (e.g., anxiety) with a desired one by counterconditioning. It relies on the gradual substitution of a response that is incompatible with the original one and is potent enough to neutralize the anxiety-evoking power of the stimulus. See also systematic desensitization. [devised by Joseph Wolpe]

2. in neuroscience, the inhibition of one spinal reflex when another is elicited. [proposed by Charles Scott Sherrington]

3. a neural mechanism that prevents opposing muscles from contracting at the same time.

4. the inability to recall two associated ideas or items because of their interference with each other.