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DYSOREXIA

A distortion of normal appetite or eating patterns., See eating disorder.

DYSPNEA

Having a shortness of breath or breathing difficulty not produced by high altitude, exertion or other identifiable cause.

DYSTROPHY

1. A degenrative disorder from defective nutrition. 2. A wasting disorder. See muscular dystrophy.

DECISIONAL COMPETENCE

A defendants ability to make the decisions faced by defendants in a criminal defense. See competency evaluation- competency to stand

DECORTICATION

Removal of the outer layer of the brain by surgery.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

A clot usually in the leg which can result from sitting still too long. See thrombosis.

DEFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

1. Aggressive or submissive behaviour that is response to any real or imagined threats. 2. Psychoanalytical theory. Behaviour characterised by

DEGENERATING AXON

The remnants of a dead or injured axon. Seen by using dies that are absorbed by the myelin fibre.

DEISM

A religion associated with enlightenment. Based on the premise that God will provide everything needed for human happiness.

DELAYED PARENTHOOD

People who don't start a family until after they are 30 years old.

DELIRIUM OF PERSECUTION

Delirium of mistrust and of being threatened.

DELUSION SYSTEM, DELUSION OF BEING CONTROLLED

A false belief that an external force is controlling ine's thoughts, actions and feelings.

DEMO- (DEM-)

The combining form of people and population.

DENDRITIC BRANCHING

Patttern of dendrites from a neuron.

DENTAL AGE

Measure of dental development based on the number of permanent teeth.

DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

Where a person becomes dependent on others for daily living. Was known as passive dependent personality.

DEPRESSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER

A disorder featuring a lack of joy and the inability to feel pleasure, feelings of loss and giving up.

DEPTH-OF-PROCESSING HYPOTHESIS

Theory that strength of memory depends on the degree of congitive processing the material has received.

DERMATOGRAPHISM

Type of hives that raises welts on the skin where it has been scratched. Also caused autographism- dermographia.

DESCRIPTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

The judgement where a defendant has performed an illegal act.