Glossary
Agoraphobia is an
anxiety disorder that involves the fear of experiencing a panic attack in a
place or situation from where escape may be difficult or embarrassing.
An allergen is a
normal substance that causes an acute defensive reaction in a person's immune
system, whereby the immune system recognises the allergens as foreign or
dangerous.
Alzheimer's
disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting both men and women.
Analgesic
consumption is where an analgesic or painkiller is taken orally. An analgesic
is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain.
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction to
an allergen that can be fatal within minutes; either through
swelling that shuts off airways or through a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
Anchoring is a technique where an association is created
between two separate elements where none existed before. Anchors are subtle and powerful, especially
when they are attached to a strong emotion. The stronger the
emotion, the stronger the anchor.
Argyria is a blue/grey skin
discoloration resulting from excessive exposure to silver.
Arthritis is a general term that simply means a painful
condition of the joints.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are defined by two types of behavioural problems;
inattentiveness, and a combination of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Common
symptoms include a short attention span, restlessness, being easily distracted
and constant fidgeting.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or syndrome is an
increasingly popular term that refers to a broad definition of autism. This
includes the classical form of the disorder, as well as closely related
disabilities that share many of the core characteristics of autism but may not
be as severe or extensive.
Autoimmune diseases are where the body's own immune system is fighting other cells in the body that might not be diseased, and this can cause inflammation and pain. It may affect many parts of the body, like nerves, muscles and the digestive system.
The autonomic control system is part of the peripheral
nervous system, and has the important function of maintaining the internal
environment of the human body in a steady condition.