D

n23

DECEREBRATION

Losing the ability to discriminate, learn and control movements as a result of severing the brainstem.

DECOMPENSATION

The breakdown of our defense mechanisms that result in a worsening of psychiatric symptoms.

DEEP BODY TEMPERATURE

Temperature of the organs inside the body. Also called core temperature. See body temperature.

DEFENDER STRATEGY

Business strategy. Where the organisation competes inn the market place by focusing on a narrow range of products.

DEFICIENCY MOTIVE

A tendency to satisfy a need in order to alleviate an efficiency. Compare abundancy motive.

DEHYDRATION

A lack of water to the tissues in our body. Compare hydration.

DELAY OF GRATIFICATION

Letting the immediate reward go so a better reward is gotten later. Compare immediate gratification.

DELETION

1. Genetics. Mutation where genetic material is lost from the chromosome.2. Genera 5 grammar. Part of a sentence is deleted

DELUSION

An improbable and personal belief system or idea that is not seen in a persons culture. See bizarre delusion- encalsulated

DEMANDMENTS

The self-constructed and self-defeating imperitives that convert goals into demands. See rational emotive behaviour therapy.

DEMONSTRATION EXPERIMENT

A demonstration by a teacher in a classroom.

DENIAL

Part of defence mechanisms to put away unpleasant thoughts and wishes from our conscious awarenes.. Also called disavowal.

DEPACON

Trade name for valproate sodium. See valproic acid.

DEPO-PROVERA

The trade name for medroxyprogester-one acetate used on sex offenders. See chemical castration.

DEPTH CUE

The way we see a distant object in relation to ourselves.

DEREISM

Mental activity not in accord with reality or logic. Also called dereistic thinking.

DESCENDING TRACT

The bundle of nerve fibres from the brain to the spinal cord.

DESIGNER DRUGS

Synthetic drugs used by middle class people who can afford to buy them.

DETACHED RETINA

The separationof the inner layer of the retina from the outer pigment layer. Also called retinal detachment. See diabetic retinopathy.

DETOUR PROBLEM

Used in problem solving by looking at indirect or circuitous solutions as the most direct solution is blocked.