| 2-AG |
A common endocannabinoid |
| 5-hydroxytryptamine |
Serotonin |
| 5-TH |
5-Hydroxytryptamine = Serotonine |
| Acetylcholine |
Neurotransmitter; nicotine binds to Act receptors, which releases dopamine. |
| ACTH |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also called adrenocorticotropin.
Stress hormone secreted by the second stage of the HPA axis.
⇒ HPA axis / stress regulatory axis. |
| acute |
momentary, as opposed to chronic = long-lasting |
| ADD |
Synonyme of ADHD-I, the ADHD presentation form, in which inattention clearly outweighs hyperactivity |
| Adenylate cyclase |
(also adenylate cyclase, adenylyl cyclase); here type I; protein that forms cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). |
| ADHD |
ADHD is the term for the entirety of the syndrome, which includes all presentations (formerly: subtypes): ADHD-HI, ADHD-I and ADHD-C. |
| ADHD-C |
ADHD-C is the presentation (formerly: subtype) with hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention |
| ADHD-HI |
ADHD-HI is the presentation (formerly: subtype) of ADHD with predominant hyperactivity (without / few attention problems). Rarest occurring form. |
| ADHD-I |
Presentation (formerly: subtype) of ADHD with predominant inattention (without / few hyperactivity / impulsivity problems) |
| Adrenoceptor |
Adrenergic receptor, noradrenaline receptor. |
| afferent |
Incoming signal, opposite to efferent (outgoing) |
| Agonist |
stimulates, excites. Receptors are activated, which activates signal transduction in the associated cell. |
| Alexithymia |
Emotional blindness, emotional dyslexia. Severely limited or inability to perceive feelings. |
| AMP |
Amphetamine drugs.
Stimulants for the treatment of ADHD, e.g. Mixed Amphetamins Salts (Adderall), Attentin, Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). |
| AMPA |
α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (E AMPA) is a glutamate agonist and binds to AMPA glutamate receptors |
| Amygdala |
Amygdala, part of the limbic system. Central evaluation instance for threat danger (-> fear). Stress conductor, triggers the HPA axis, among others. |
| analgesic |
analgesic |
| Antagonist |
inhibits. Receptors are blocked without the antagonist triggering a pharmaceutically significant effect of its own. |
| antegrade |
forward, in normal flow direction (also: anterograde) |
| anterior |
front |
| anterograde |
forward, in normal flow direction (also: antegrade) |
| anticonvulsant |
antispasmodic, prevents epileptic seizures |
| anxiolytic |
anxiety-relieving |
| ARAS |
ascending reticular activating system |
| Area pretectalis |
(Area praetectalis, Praetectum): A nuclear area in the epithalamus of the diencephalon. Contains the nuclei pretectales, which serve to circuit the pupillary reflex. |
| Arousal |
Degree of phasic activation of the CNS. Is associated with increased sympathetic tone. State of alertness, wakefulness, heightened responsiveness, attentiveness. Differs from arousal in that emotions do not play a role. |
| ascendant |
ascending |
| ASS |
Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Autapse |
A synapse of a cell that binds to the cell itself |
| autaptic |
A cell whose synapses bind to the cell itself instead of to other cells |
| autocrine |
On the same cell (paracrine: on surrounding cells) |
| AVP |
Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH, adiuretin) or vasopressin (INN).
Formation in the hypothalamus, storage in the posterior pituitary.
Function: 2nd stage stressor hormone of the HPA axis, regulation of body fluid, vasoconstrictor effect at higher doses. |
| Axon |
Also: neurite. Extension of a nerve cell (neuron) that conducts electrical nerve impulses away from the cell body (soma). Axons are surrounded by sheath structures (axolemm). Axon and sheath form the nerve fiber.
Axons can be a few mm to a meter long. |
| basal |
the permanent level of a neurotransmitter or hormone and its typical circadian level changes throughout the day |
| Basal ganglia |
The basal ganglia consist of 1. striatum (dorsal striatum: nucleus caudatus, putamen; ventral striatum: nucleus accumbens, tuberculus olfactorius), 2. Globus pallidus 3. Ventral pallidum 4. substantia nigra 5. nucleus
subthalamicus |
| bilateral |
bilateral (of the brain) |
| Bottom-Up |
In neurology: communication from older brain regions to more highly developed newer brain regions. |
| Brain fluid |
CSF = cerebrospinal fluid = cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) = cerebral spinal fluid = (colloquially) cerebrospinal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, neural fluid. |
| c-Fos |
c-Fos proteins are cellular proteins that bind to DNA. c-Fos gene produce c-Fos proteins in response to external cell stimuli. The c-Fos protein combines with the c-Jun protein to form the transcription factor AP-1. AP-1 regulates the expression of more than 30 genes involved in cell growth. |
| Ca2+ |
Calcium ions |
| cAMP |
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a second messenger |
| Catalepsy |
Remaining in a rigid posture due to maximally increased muscle tone |
| Cataplexy |
Sudden loss of muscle tone during strong emotion, narcolepsy symptom. |
| Catecholamine |
Catecholamines are biogenic amines. Natural catecholamines are adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. |
| Caudate nucleus |
Part of the basal ganglia called the tail or tail nucleus. Together with the putamen, it forms the striatum. |
| CB1R |
Cannabinoid receptor 1 |
| CB2R |
Cannabinoid receptor 2 |
| Cell differentiation |
Structural / functional specialization of cells for particular tasks. |
| Cell migration |
Locomotion / change of location of cells, e.g. embryonic cells, connective tissue cells, blood vessel cells, immune system cells, sperm cells. |
| Cell proliferation |
Rapid growth/multiplication of tissue by cell division and cell growth. |
| Cellular differentiation |
Basis of morphogenesis of multicellular organisms (metazoa, metaphyta, proliferation, multicellularity). From one germ cell arise functionally and usually also structurally different cell lines of daughter cells |
| Cerebellum |
Cerebellum. Contains more than half of all brain cells, although only the size of a tennis ball. Involved in the control of short-term memory, impulsivity, inhibition of gross motor activity, and sense of time. |
| Chronasthenia |
ADxS stone louse. Chronos = time; asthenia = weakness. |
| chronic |
long-lasting, in contrast to acute |
| chronified |
became chronic |
| clinical |
ascertainable by medical or psychological examination; relevant to treatment |
| CNS |
Central nervous system = brain + spinal cord |
| CNV |
Copy number variations: Structural variation of the genetic material with a deviation in the number of copies of a specific DNA segment within a genome. |
| Colliculi superiores |
(Colliculi optici, visual mounds): important for circuitry of optical reflexes, e.g. in the formation of "saccades". |
| comorbid |
Comorbidities are further mental or physical disorders that occur in parallel (comorbid) (here: to ADHD) |
| Comorbidity |
Comorbidities are other (mental) disorders that occur in parallel (here: to ADHD) |
| Compatibility |
Element of the Big Five personality values. Agreeableness describes the motivation for prosocial behavior and pleasant interpersonal relationships. Elements are consideration, willingness to cooperate, empathy, compassion, trust and politeness. Low agreeableness correlates with criticism, skepticism, boundary crossing, hostility, and condescension. Agreeableness correlates negatively with psychopathy and aggression. Extremely excessive agreeableness correlates with gullibility, servility, attachment, submissiveness, servility. |
| Connectivity |
Temporal synchronicity between brain regions; indicator of functional connectivity strength. |
| Conscientiousness |
Element of the Big Five personality values. Conscientiousness describes the personal degree of organization: competence, orderliness, sense of duty, achievement striving, self-discipline, prudence, ability to complete tasks, perseverance in achieving long-term goals, orderliness, self-discipline and reliability. Excessive conscientiousness correlates with obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as perfectionism, demandingness, fixation on punctuality, or workaholism. Low conscientiousness correlates with irresponsibility, carelessness, imprudence or disinhibition. |
| Corpus callosum |
Connection between the two brain hemispheres |
| Correlate |
Correlation: Simultaneous (non-)occurrence of two states/values.
If the values A and B rise and fall together in a test, they correlate (positively, which then does not have to be added). If A rises when B falls and vice versa, they correlate negatively.
Correlation says nothing about causality (cause). |
| correlation |
Correlation: Simultaneous (non-)occurrence of two states/values.
If the values A and B rise and fall together in a test, they correlate (positively, which then does not have to be added). If A rises when B falls and vice versa, they correlate negatively.
Correlation says nothing about causality (cause). |
| Cortex |
Cerebral cortex |
| Cortisol |
Glucocorticoid.
Stress hormone secreted by the 3rd stage of the HPA axis.
Terminates the inflammation-increasing effect of CRH, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
In turn, increases the fight against extracellular adversaries.
Cortisol has the further task of shutting down the HPA axis again. |
| cortisolergic |
Communication in the brain, which takes place via the neurotransmitter cortisol |
| Cre |
Cre recombinase:
An enzyme derived from P1 bacteriophage with which it is possible to selectively express, excise, or manipulate portions of DNA for the purpose of selectively expressing receptor genes, proteins including fluorescent sensors and optogenetic tools. |
| CRH |
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also called corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) or corticoliberin.
Stress hormone secreted by the first stage of the ⇒ HPA axis / stress regulation axis. |
| CRP |
C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker |
| CSF |
Cerebrospinal fluid; water-clear, low in protein and cells. |
| CT |
Computed tomography (CT). Imaging technique. X-ray images are combined to form 2-dimensional cross-sectional images. Frequent clinical use. |
| Cytoplasm |
Cell interior, within the cell membrane |
| DA |
Dopamine |
| DARPP-32 |
Phosphoprotein of 32 kDa. Regulated by dopamine and cAMP. Most important postsynaptic regulator of dopamine signaling. |
| DAT |
Dopamine transporter. (Reup-)Takes dopamine from extracellular space into cell and can release dopamine into extracellular space (efflux). Common in the striatum, rarely in the PFC. Common in children, decreasing in adulthood. |
| Delay Discounting |
Devaluation of a more distant reward. Near rewards are evaluated unchanged.
Stress symptom that directs attention toward acutely relevant issues.
Also called delay discounting or discounting of delayed rewards. |
| Dendrite |
Nerve process of a neuron on the signal receiving side (receiving antenna). |
| Depletion |
Removal of substances from the body (e.g., through increased breakdown or decreased intake) |
| descending |
descending |
| DHEA |
Dehydroepiandrosterone, Prasterone (INN).
Steroid hormone that acts as a male or female sex hormone depending on the amount.
Precursor of testosterone.
Is broken down in the liver to DHEA sulfate. |
| Diestrus |
Intermediate rut. Short period of hormonal rest between two estrus periods. |
| Disorder |
Impairment of normal or regular bodily or mental functions due to disease |
| Disposition |
genetic disposition: genes that can undergo an epigenetic change due to environmental influences, through which they develop a certain effect (here: ADHD) |
| Divided attention |
Needed to respond simultaneously to multiple tasks or multiple task demands |
| dlPFC |
Dorsolateral PFC. Includes working memory, which controls executive functions. |
| DMN |
Default mode network = resting network. The brain is also active in the resting state. |
| Dopamine |
Neurotransmitter, most involved in ADHD |
| dopaminergic |
Communication in the brain, which takes place via the neurotransmitter dopamine |
| dorsal |
Dorsal, located on the back |
| dorsolateral |
Rear lateral |
| dorsomedial |
dorsal (posterior) and medial (central): posterior central |
| Down-Regulation |
Down-regulation is a general response to neurotransmitter levels that have been too high for too long and leads to desensitization of the respective receptors, with first the postsynaptic receptors and then the presynaptic autoreceptors (releasing the neurotransmitter) decreasing. This disrupts the release inhibition of the neurotransmitter. This is followed by a permanent overactivity of the neurotransmitter neurons (resistance phase). If the stress situation continues, neurotransmitter production collapses (exhaustion phase). Among the phases of a stress response: ⇒ [ADHD as a chronicized stress regulation disorder](https://www.adxs.org/adhs-als-chronifizierte-stressregulationsstoerung/). |
| DRD |
Dopamine receptor (1 to 5) |
| DRD1 |
Dopamine receptor 1 |
| DRD2 |
Dopamine receptor 1 |
| DRD3 |
Dopamine receptor 3 |
| DRD4 |
Dopamine receptor 4 |
| DRD5 |
Dopamine receptor 5 |
| DSM |
DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (current: DSM 5, older: DSM III, DSM IV) |
| Dysphoria |
Chronic moodiness, long-lasting mild depression |
| e-DA |
Extracellular dopamine |
| e-NE |
Extracellular norepinephrine |
| EEG |
Electroencephalography, also electroencephalogram. Brain wave measurement. |
| efferent |
Outgoing signal, opposite to afferent (incoming) |
| Efflux |
Outflow of ions/molecules from cells/cell compartments. Opposite: Influx.
DAT efflux: release of dopamine from the cell. |
| Elevated plus maze |
Test setup for measuring anxiety in laboratory rodents.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevated_plus_maze |
| Encephalitis |
Brain inflammation, usually caused by a virus |
| Endocytosis |
Uptake of non-cellular material into the cell (internalization) by inverting or constricting parts of the cell membrane to form vesicles or vacuoles. Endocytosis also regulates the number of transporters and receptors on the cell membrane. |
| endogenous |
endogenous |
| Endosome |
Intracellular vesicle formed by endocytosis |
| Enriched Environement |
Environment enriched with stimuli |
| Enzyme |
Enzymes are special three-dimensional globular proteins that catalyze and regulate chemical reactions in organisms. Each cell contains thousands of different enzymes for various reactions. Enzymes accelerate cellular reactions millions of times. The reactions do not change the enzymes. The four factors that affect enzyme activity are temperature, pH, substrate concentration and enzyme concentration. |
| EPDR |
task/stimulus-evoked pupil dilation response |
| Epigenetics |
Permanent changes in the regulation of gene expression that occur during development, cell differentiation, or cell proliferation and that are locked in and maintained across cell divisions without altering the DNA sequence. (Graw (2015): Genetics) |
| Etiology |
Origin |
| Euthymia |
balanced mood |
| ex vivo |
"On living tissues after removal from living beings". Distinction between in vivo "On living beings", in vitro (in the test tube) and ex silico (computer simulation). |
| excitatory |
Exciting, stimulating. Opposite to Inhibiting. |
| Expression |
Gene expression (expression, expression).
Broader term: Measure of the activity of a gene.
Narrower term: Biosynthesis of proteins by the information conveyed by the gene, including all processes required for this.
Different gene expression can cause, for example, stronger or weaker biosynthesis of proteins or activity of receptors. Gene expression can be altered by environmental influences and is epigenetically heritable (over a few generations). |
| Extinction |
Attenuation / cancellation of a previously conditioned (learned) coupling between an initial situation and a response behavior. |
| Extraversion |
Element of the Big Five personality values. Extraversion describes sociability (talkativeness, sociability, assertiveness, positive affect, and activity level). Excessive Extraversion may correlate pathologically with sexual promiscuity, emotional intrusiveness, excessive self-disclosure, and provocative behavior. Low extraversion (= introversion) correlates with social withdrawal, social distancing, intimacy avoidance, limited affectivity, and anhedonia. |
| extrinsic |
Stimulated from outside, not from within (e.g., by constraints, punishments, rewards). |
| Facilitation |
Structural and biochemical changes in the area of the synapse. Leads to amplification of the signal after repeated stimulation (short-term or long-term potentiation, part of synaptic plasticity). |
| Facilitation |
Seconds to minutes of sustained enhancement of neurotransmission following prior stimulation (short-term or long-term potentiation, part of synaptic plasticity). |
| Firing |
Electrical action potentials in a nerve cell |
| Firingrate |
Frequency at which action potentials of a nerve cell fire |
| fMRI |
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, fMRI). Imaging technique that measures changes in the oxygenation of hemoglobin in the blood (BOLD signal). |
| frontal |
in front |
| GABA |
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter |
| GHRH |
Gonodatrophin Releasing Hormone = hormone that releases growth hormone. |
| Glial cell |
Astrocytes (auxiliary cells for energy supply, blood-brain barrier), oligodendrocytes (myelin sheath), microglia (immune defense). |
| Gliosome |
A lysosome in astrocytes of the brain |
| Glutamate |
also [glutamic acid](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamins%C3%A4ure), is a neurotransmitter |
| glutaminergic |
responding to the neurotransmitter glutamate or containing it. |
| GPCR |
G protein-coupled receptors. A family of more than 1000 receptors that trigger a cellular signaling cascade via G proteins (GTP-binding proteins) |
| Grain cell |
Also: spiny stellate cell. Glutamatergic. Receive signals from outside the cortex as well as impulses from thalamus and other brain regions. |
| Gray matter |
Entirety of all cell bodies of the
Central nervous system |
| Growth hormone |
Other names for growth hormone (WH): Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Growth Hormone (GH), Somatropin (INN), Somatotropin / Somatotropins Hormone (STH). |
| Gyrus |
Gyrus is not a specific part of the brain, but a term for "brain turn". |
| Half-life |
Biological half-life: Time in which half of the absorbed substance is excreted naturally. After 5 half-lives, most of an active substance is considered to have been excreted. |
| Heart rate variability |
HRV, also called heart rate variability. Measured value for the stress resistance of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic / parasympathetic). |
| Heteromer |
Conglomerates of several receptor species. The type and strength of the signal triggered by a receptor heteromer depends on the composition of the heteromer, the concentration of active compounds, and the time course of activation of each receptor in the heteromer (simultaneously / sequentially). |
| HHNA axis |
Hypothalamus-piutiary-adrenal (HPA) axis (English), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis / HHNA axis (German); stress axis. |
| Hippocampus |
Part of the limbic system. Controls emotions (inhibitory) and memory functions (e.g., transfer from short-term to long-term memory). |
| HPA axis |
Stress axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (English), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis = HHNA axis or HNA axis (German), 1st stage: hypothalamus, 2nd stage: anterior pituitary, 3rd stage: adrenal cortex. |
| HRV |
Heart rate variability, also called heart beat variability. Measured value for the stress resistance of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic / parasympathetic). |
| HVA |
Homovanillic acid, a metabolite (breakdown product) of dopamine. |
| Hypercortisolism |
excessive cortisol level |
| Hypocortisolism |
decreased cortisol level |
| Hypothalamus |
First stage of the HPA axis. Activated by norepinephrine from the PFC and by amygdala. Produces CRH. CRH activates anterior pituitary = second stage of HPA axis. |
| Hypothesis |
Assumption not yet proven |
| Hypoxemia |
Oxygen deficiency |
| ICD |
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. WHO equivalent to the DSM of the American Psychiatric Association. |
| IFN- |
Interferon, a cytokine. Cytokines are proteins that serve as immune defense. |
| IL- |
Interleukin, an immune factor |
| Impulsivity |
Spontaneous reactions to stimuli with insufficient consideration of consequences. |
| in silico |
"In computer simulation". Distinction between in vivo (examination on living organisms), ex vivo (on living tissues after removal from living organisms) and in vitro (in the test tube). |
| in vitro |
"In the test tube": paraphrase for laboratory environment. Distinction between in vivo (investigation on living organisms), ex vivo (on dead organisms) and in silico (in computer simulation). |
| in vivo |
"On the living being". Distinction between ex vivo (on living tissues after removal from living beings), in vitro (in the test tube) and ex silico (computer simulation). |
| inferior |
below |
| inhibiting |
inhibitory |
| Inhibition |
e.g. of behavioral impulses |
| inhibitory |
Inhibitory. Opposite of excitatory. |
| Interneuron |
Neurons that connect two other neurons. No signal processing of their own, pure transmission of information. Mostly GABAerg (inhibitory/inhibitory). Mostly short axons, as opposed to long axons in projection neurons. More common in mammals. |
| intracerebroventricular |
(injection of substances) directly into the cerebral spinal fluid in brain ventricles |
| intramural |
Located within the wall of a hollow organ |
| intrinsic |
out of itself |
| Ischemia |
Lack of blood flow in the tissue, usually due to vascular occlusion |
| Kinase |
Enzyme that transfers a phosphate residue to other substrates and vice versa. Enables the activation of other molecules (e.g. enzymes). (Counterpart: phosphatase) |
| lateral |
lateral |
| Lesion |
Damage, injury, disorder |
| Ligand |
Binds to a receptor (e.g. as an agonist or antagonist) |
| Locus coeruleus |
Also locus / caeruleus nucleus. Controls the release of norepinephrine. Involved in directing attention. |
| LRS |
Reading and spelling disorders (e.g. dyslexia) |
| LTD |
Long-term depression. Attenuation of neuronal arousal to stimuli. Necessary for learning. Opposite: LTP |
| LTP |
Long-term potentiation. Long-lasting reinforcement of neuronal excitation to stimuli. Required for learning. Opposite: LTD |
| Lymphocytes |
Part of the white blood cells (leukocytes). Lymphocytes fight off pathogens. There are two types: T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. |
| mandatory |
Compulsory, required. |
| manifest |
make something permanent |
| Mast cell |
Leukocyte blood cell that transports and releases granules (vesicles) containing various inflammation-promoting substances (including histamine) |
| medial |
centered |
| Meiosis |
Nuclear division of eukaryotic cells, in which the number of chromosomes is halved in two steps - meiosis I and meiosis II - and genetically different cell nuclei are formed from each other. |
| Metabolite |
Degradation product |
| Microglia |
Microglia are multifunctional glial cells in the brain. Make up about 10-15 percent of glial cells. They are among the tissue macrophages. Microglia are a link between the nervous and immune systems. Have an anti-inflammatory effect in acute disorders, may contribute to chronic inflammation in prolonged disorders. |
| miRNA |
microRNA. Short, non-coding RNA; regulate gene expression highly specifically at the posttranscriptional level. |
| Mitosis |
The form of nuclear and cell division in which two genetically identical daughter cells are produced from a mother cell |
| Mixed type |
Presentation form of ADHD with hyperactivity and attention problems. |
| Monoamine |
Monoamines include catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), serotonin, melatonin, histamine, thyronamine, trace amines (β-phenylethylamine (PEA, β-PEA), tyramine, tryptamine). |
| Motivation |
Activating alignment of current behavior with positively valued target state. Components: Goal direction, persistence, intensity. |
| Mouseover text |
A text that appears when you point the mouse at the word. Words with mouseover text are underlined (with a dotted underline) on the ADxS.org website. |
| mPFC |
medial (middle) part of the prefrontal cortex |
| MPH |
Methylphenidate.
Stimulant.
One of the brand names is Ritalin. MPH is available from many manufacturers, including generic versions. |
| MRE |
miRNA recognition element (miRNA: microRNA) |
| MRI |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging technique, Tuned radiofrequency coils detect the radio signals emitted by the excited nuclei when they return to equilibrium. Significantly better resolution than CT. Used clinically and in research. MRI can distinguish brain structures, gray and white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. |
| mRNA |
Messenger RNA; English: messenger RNA. Coding RNA: contains the information for the production of proteins. |
| MSN |
Medium spiny neuron (MSN) |
| NAc |
Nucleus accumbens, part of the striatum (ventral striatum), which in turn is part of the basal ganglia. The NAc houses the brain's reinforcement center. |
| NE |
Norepinephrine |
| NE- |
Norepinephrine |
| Neocortex |
Youngest part of the cerebral cortex. Consists of frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe and occipital lobe. |
| NET |
Noradrenaline transporter; reabsorbs NA and DA, among others. |
| Neuron |
Nerve cell |
| Neuroticism |
Element of the Big Five personality scores. Neuroticism describes level of negative emotions: Emotional lability, vulnerability, anxiety, hostility, sadness. High neuroticism correlates with high risk for psychiatric and physical disorders, increased comorbidity, reduced quality of life, shorter life expectancy, increased need for health care. |
| Neurotransmitter |
Messenger substance in the brain |
| Neurotrophin-3 |
A growth factor. Other names: BNDF-/NT-3, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), tyrosine receptor kinase B. |
| NNT |
Number needed to treat. Number of people needed to be treated for one successful treatment. |
| NNT |
Numbers Needed to Treat, Number of treatments required for one successful treatment |
| Nonresponder |
Patients in whom a medication fails to achieve a freely defined measure of symptom reduction.
Thus, there may be an effect, but it does not reach the previously defined measure. |
| noradrenergic |
Communication in the brain, which takes place via the neurotransmitter norepinephrine |
| Norepinephrine |
In the brain: neurotransmitter, involved in ADHD along with dopamine.
In the body: hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla. |
| Nucleus accumbens |
The nucleus accumbens (NAc or NAcc) is the ventral part of the striatum, which in turn is part of the basal ganglia. The NAc connects the two other parts of the striatum, the putamen and caudate nucleus.
The NAc houses the reinforcement center of the brain. |
| occipital |
lying towards the back of the head |
| ODD |
Opposite Defiant Disorder = oppositional defiant behavior |
| OFC |
Orbitofrontal cortex.
Area of the cerebral cortex in the front of the skull directly above the eye socket (orbit). Orbital part of the PFC (prefrontal cortex). |
| Openness |
Element of the Big Five personality values. Openness to experience describes the depth and breadth of a person's intellectual, artistic, and experiential life.t Key facets are aesthetic sensitivity, intellectual interests, and imagination. Openness correlates with greater psychological well-being. Extremely high or low openness correlates pathologically with mania/bipolar disorder or major depression and bipolar disorder and various forms of schizotypy. |
| oPFC |
Orbitofrontal cortex. Synonymous with ventromedial cortex (vmPFC). Represents emotion and reward in decision making. |
| optional |
Possible, but not mandatory |
| original |
We refer to symptoms that can be a direct symptom of ADHD as original symptoms of ADHD. This does not mean that the symptom must necessarily originate from ADHD in each individual case. It can also be caused by other disorders. |
| Orphane transporter |
Subunits of receptors that are unrelated to each other and do not form functional heteromeric receptors with them |
| Palmitoylation |
Post-translational modification of proteins by attaching palmitic acid (palmitate, C16:0) to cysteine residues in proteins. This forms a so-called lipid anchor, which is used to attach proteins to cell inner membranes. Contributes to many neuronal diseases. |
| paracrine |
On surrounding cells (Autocrine: On the same cell) |
| parietal |
belonging to the wall (of an organ), on the wall side; possibly apex area |
| Partial agonist |
stimulates, excites. Receptors are activated, which activates signal transduction in the associated cell. Partial: weaker effect than a full agonist. |
| PC-12 |
PC-12 cells are a standard model system for studying catecholamine synthesis in nervous tissue. PC-12 cells produce dopamine. PC-12 tyrosine hydroxylase behaves similarly to that of living neurons |
| PEDro |
PEDro score: Scale for assessing the BIAS of studies. 10-6: high quality; 5-4: fair quality; 3-0: poor quality. |
| perinatal |
During birth |
| peripheral |
neurological (relevant here): in the body, not in the brain. Medical (not relevant here): the extremities (arms, legs, possibly also head) as distinct from the trunk of the body. |
| PET |
Positron emission tomography (PET). Imaging technique used to measure the regional activity of a body region by monitoring glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) or changes in blood flow rate with [15O]H2O. |
| PFC |
Prefrontal cortex, part of the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex.
The PFC consists of:
* ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC), BA 45 + lateral portions of BA 47/12.
* dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), BA 9/46
* anterior/frontopolar prefrontal area (anterior PFC), BA 10
* orbitofrontal cortex (oFC), BA 10, 11, 47/12, 13, 14, ventral parts of BA 45
* fronto-medial prefrontal cortex (fmPFC or mPFC),
* anterior cingulate cortex (acC) BA 24, 25
* ventro-medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC).
* frontal eye field, BA 8
* Broca's area, BA 44: speech motor function
BA = Brodmann area (with number) |
| PGS |
polygenic score, polygenic risk score, genetic risk score, genome-wide score.
PGS is a prediction factor for the occurrence of a trait based on a. the gene variants present and b. their influence on the trait. |
| phasic |
Short-term. Phasic release of neurotransmitter or hormone: Short-term release triggered by acute stimulus. |
| Phosphatase |
Enzymes that split off phosphoric acid from phosphoric acid esters or polyphosphates by water storage (hydrolysis). (Counterpart: kinase) |
| Phosphorylation |
The reversible attachment of a phosphate group to an organic molecule (esp. proteins; Result: phosphoproteins) |
| physiological |
natural, healthy, under normal living conditions |
| Pituitary |
Pituitary gland
Second stage of the HPA axis
Produces ACTH
Activated by CRH from the hypothalamus, the first stage of the HPA axis |
| PMDS |
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (also PMDD) |
| polygenic risk score |
PRS: weighted sum values of an individual's estimated total burden of risk alleles associated with a phenotype. |
| Polymorphism |
Simultaneous occurrence of two or more alleles of a gene in a population, whereby the frequency of occurrence of individual allelic variants cannot be explained by repeated mutations alone. Polymorphisms are important bases of genetic diversity and variability. (Grawe (2015): Genetics) |
| posterior |
posterior (in humans = dorsal) |
| Postsynapse |
Receiving synapse. Receptors take up neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft and trigger action potentials in nerve cells at a certain occupancy, which transmits the signal electrically. |
| postsynaptic |
on the receiving side of the synapse |
| Predictor |
Forecast indicator |
| Prepulse |
A loud bang causes a clear startle response. A quiet warning stimulus before the bang (the prepulse) greatly weakens the startle response by activating a mechanism that suppresses the processing of subsequent stimuli. |
| Presynapse |
Sending synapse. Electrical nerve stimuli cause neurotransmitters to be released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft. Transporters take them back again (reuptake) for storage in the vesicles until they are released again. |
| presynaptic |
on the transmitting side of the synapse |
| Prevalence |
Frequency of existing medical diagnoses of a disease in the total population (e.g., within the last 12 months).
For delineation:
True prevalence / field prevalence: frequency of a disease when a representative group is thoroughly examined by experts, extrapolated to the total population.
Treatment prevalence: Prevalence determined on the basis of treatment / screening contacts.
Administrative prevalence: Prevalence determined from routine statistics (e.g. cancer registries).
Incidence: Frequency of new diagnoses of a disease in the total population (e.g. within the last 12 months). |
| Prodrug |
Substance that is converted to subsequent substance.
Other designation: precursor. |
| Projection area |
Target area to which neurotransmitters are released |
| Promotor |
DNA region of a gene by which the initiation point and initiation frequency of transcription (RNA synthesis) are determined |
| Protein |
Proteins represent more than half of the dry weight of cells. They are biological macromolecules consisting of polymers of amino acids. The amino acid sequence determines the basic structure and function of the protein. Proteins are molecular tools and cause enzyme catalysis, defense, transport, support, movement, regulation and storage. |
| proximal |
located towards the hull |
| PTSD |
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-traumatic stress reaction (PTBR), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). |
| PTSD |
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-traumatic stress reaction (PTBR), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). |
| Putamen |
Part of the basal ganglia. Together with the caudate nucleus, forms the striatum. The striatum is the motivational center of the brain. |
| PVN |
Nucleus paraventricularis, a nucleus of the hypothalamus |
| Pyramid cell |
Glutamaterg. Build the efferents (outgoing signals) of the cerebrum. Their axons exit the cortex. |
| racemic |
Racemate: active ingredient that contains both enantiomers (levorotatory and dextrorotatory) of a molecule. |
| Raphe seeds |
Cell structure in the brain, central source of serotonin |
| Release |
For neurotransmitters: leakage from vesicles (mostly into the synaptic cleft) by their union with the cell membrane. |
| Remission |
Decline, lessening, disappearance of symptoms |
| remit |
decrease, recede |
| remitted |
decrease, recede |
| retarded |
Prolonged effect due to time-delayed release of active ingredient |
| retrograde |
backwards, against normal flow direction |
| Reversal learning |
Of two signals, first the selection of one is rewarded. Then the rewarded signal changes. Reversal learning is the learning of this reward change. It is located in the oPFC. |
| rich club |
Brain regions that are more interconnected than the average of brain regions and therefore form the functional backbone of the brain |
| Risk-reward genes |
Genes that cause both positive and negative influences to have a particularly high impact on the development of the individual. |
| RNA |
Ribonucleic acid, RNA; English: ribonucleic acid |
| rostral |
Head front |
| RSPD |
resting-state pupil diameter |
| Salience |
A salient stimulus is highlighted out of context and is thus more accessible to consciousness than a non-salient stimulus. German: Salienz. |
| Salience |
A salient stimulus is highlighted out of context, making it more accessible to consciousness than a non-salient stimulus. |
| SCFA |
Short chained fatty acids |
| SCT |
Sluggish cognitive thinking; today's name: CDS - Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome
Independent disorder. Formerly misunderstood as a subtype of ADHD with, among other things, particularly slow decision-making, without intelligence impairment. |
| Selective attention |
The capacity to focus attention in the face of distracting or competing stimuli |
| SERT |
Serotonin transporter |
| SHR |
Spontaneously hypertensive rat. A genetic animal model for ADHD-C with hyperactivity and hypertension. |
| significant |
(Statistically) significant: a phenomenon occurs so frequently that it could no longer be explained by chance. Only says something about the probability of error, but nothing about the effect strength (the measure of the effect). |
| SMR |
sensorimotor rhythm |
| SNc |
Substantia nigra pars compacta |
| SNP |
Single nucleotide polymorphism: Variation of a single base pair in a complementary DNA double strand. SNPs represent about 90 % of all genetic variants in the human genome. |
| SNr |
Substantia nigra pars reticulata |
| SNRI |
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor |
| SPECT |
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Imaging technique that measures the distribution of a radioactively labeled substance (tracer, especially hexamethylpropyleneaminooxime (HMPAO) or 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer (ECD)) in the body. SPECT is based on scintigraphy. SPECT can visualize metabolic processes in three dimensions. |
| Sphingomyelin |
Sphingophospholipid; components of cell membranes |
| Spike |
Action potential. Single electrical impulse (electrical signal) of a nerve cell in response to a stimulus. Salvos of spikes are called bursts. |
| SSRI |
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
| Startle |
Startle reflex: a universal protective motor response of mammals to unexpectedly strong sensory stimuli. Cannot be suppressed at will. |
| Stressor |
Stress Trigger;
Stress, on the other hand, is the stress response |
| Striatum |
Reinforcement center, part of the basal ganglia |
| Stroop |
Stroop test: Words denoting one color are shown in another color. The subject is asked to name the color named, not the color shown. This tests the functionality of the gyrus cinguli (cingulate) in terms of processing information, which requires both hemispheres of the brain. |
| subclinical |
mild course, below the sill of a clinical diagnosis |
| Substantia nigra |
Substantia nigra (SN) is a brain area in the midbrain. Dopamine is produced in the cells of the SN pars compacta, as well as in the VTA. |
| Sumoylation |
A form of posttranslational modification mediated by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins. |
| superior |
Above |
| supramaximal |
Value above the usual maximum values |
| supratherapeutic |
Above the therapeutically appropriate dosage |
| Symptom |
Symptom: Sign of an abnormal condition |
| Syndrome |
Accumulation of recognizable symptoms that often occur together |
| Synthesis |
Union of two or more components, elements or features to form a new unit |
| Task switching issues |
Problems switching between requests or from one task to the next. Occurs especially in response to extrinsic prompting. |
| temporal |
Temporal = lateral |
| Terminal |
Also axon terminal, is the end of an axon: the presynapse |
| Terminal button |
Button-like bulging outermost terminal segments of an axon. |
| Theory |
Assumption not yet proven |
| TMN |
Tuberomammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus |
| TNF |
Tumor necrosis factor, an immune factor |
| tonic |
Long-term. When neurotransmitters/hormones are released: Regular consistent release without external stimulus. |
| TOVA |
Validated computerized endurance performance test that objectively measures attention and inhibitory control, normalized by age and gender. |
| Tractus |
Projections (axons) of functionally similar nerve cells running together as a bundle |
| TSST |
Trier Stress Test, a specific test to determine stress reactions |
| Tyrosine hydroxylase |
Enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the amino acid L-tyrosine into the amino acid levodopa, which in turn is a precursor for dopamine, among other things. Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-determining reaction step in the production of catecholamines. |
| Ubiquitination |
(also: Ubiquitinylation): Transfer of
Ubiquitin to a target molecule. Usually causes degradation of the target molecule in the
proteasome. |
| Vagotomie |
Transection of the vagus nerve |
| Varicosity |
Vesicular thickening on the process of a nerve cell. Varicosities contain vesicles with neurotransmitters and are responsible for the transmission of excitation to the organ of success. |
| Vasoconstriction |
Constriction of (blood) vessels |
| Vasodilation |
Dilatation of (blood) vessels |
| Vasopressin |
Vasopressin (INN), also called arginine vasopressin (AVP), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or adiuretin.
Formation in the hypothalamus, storage in the posterior pituitary.
Function: regulation of body fluid. Vasoconstrictor effect at higher doses. |
| ventral |
Abdominal, located on the abdomen |
| ventral striatum |
The nucleus accumbens (NAc or NAcc) is the ventral part of the striatum, which in turn is part of the basal ganglia. The NAc connects the two other parts of the striatum, the putamen and caudate nucleus.
The NAc houses the reinforcement center of the brain. |
| ventrolateral |
Located towards the abdomen (ventral) and laterally (lateral) |
| Vesicle |
Storage container for neurotransmitters in the nerve endings |
| Vigilance |
Alertness, sustained attention in the presence of a monotonous stimulus frequency (e.g., an accomplished motorist on a highway). Average arousal level of the brain. |
| visceral |
lying or belonging to the viscera |
| vmPFC |
Ventromedial cortex. Synonymous with orbitofrontal cortex (oPFC). Represents emotion and reward in decision making. |
| VNS |
Vegetative nervous system, also called the autonomic nervous system (ANS), consisting of the calming parasympathetic nervous system (also called the vagus) and the activating sympathetic nervous system. |
| vSub |
Ventral subiculum of the hippocampus. Primary output of the hippocampus. |
| VTA |
Ventral tegmentum (area tegmentalis ventralis).
Important dopamine source of the brain. Contains dopaminergic (predominantly), GABAergic, and glutamatergic cells. Involved in response to reward expectancy and reward maintenance, and to aversive stimuli.
Controls the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Projects dopaminergically to mPFC, nucleus accumbens, ventral striatum, hypothalamus, amygdala, lateral habenula, pallidum, and bed nucleus of stria terminalis. |
| vulnerab |
vulnerable = susceptible, vulnerable |
| White matter |
Consists predominantly of neurons and their processes (axons) |
| White substance |
Lat.: Substantia alba
Brain area consisting predominantly of conduction pathways or nerve fibers (nerve cell processes). |
| zyklothym |
persistent mood instability |
| α-amylase |
Alpha-amylase is a biomarker for autonomic nervous system activity |
