in DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5, a reversible substance-specific syndrome that develops over a short period of time (usually hours to days) following heavy consumption of the substance. It includes disturbance of consciousness (e.g., reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention), accompanied by changes in cognition (e.g., memory deficit, disorientation, language disturbance) in excess of those usually associated with intoxication with that substance. See alcohol intoxication delirium; amphetamine intoxication delirium; cocaine intoxication delirium; phencyclidine intoxication delirium.
a process, governed by a complex array of neural mechanisms and structures (including the hypothalamus), in which the brain seeks an optimum balance between an organism’s food intake and energy expenditure after a certain body weight is achieved. A number of other factors, such as environmental stimuli, may influence the process as well.