Glossary
Below are definitions for a number of the depression-related terms found on cymbalta.com.
antidepressants—A group of medications that are thought to relieve symptoms of depression by affecting the level of chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, in the brain.
clinical trial—A medical study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a treatment or drug. Each trial is designed to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to treat people with a specific illness.
contraindication—Refers to a situation when a drug, procedure, or treatment should not be used, because it may be harmful to the person.
major depression—Also known as major depressive disorder. A medical condition characterized by persistent emotional symptoms, such as sadness, loss of pleasure, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide or death, as well as persistent physical symptoms with no known cause, including headaches, digestive problems, and aches and pains.
neurotransmitters—Chemical "messengers" that facilitate communication between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are found in the brain and throughout the body along pathways to the brain, such as the spinal cord. Many experts believe that neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, may play a major role in regulating a person's moods, emotions, and feelings of pain.
norepinephrine—A chemical messenger that aids communication between many areas of the brain that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. It is also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about physical discomfort or pain between the brain and body.
psychiatrist—A physician that specializes in evaluating and treating mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication.
psychologist—A healthcare professional that specializes in the science of mind and behavior. Psychologists usually have a PhD and have received additional training to work with patients. Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot ordinarily prescribe medication. They do perform evaluations, use psychotherapy, and may work with medical doctors to treat patients.
psychotherapist—A general term used to describe a person who practices any kind of psychotherapy.
psychotherapy—Also known as counseling or "talk" therapy. One of several possible treatments for depression, psychotherapy aims to help a person learn about himself or herself, understand past and present relationships, and change patterns of behavior that may contribute to depression. Psychotherapy can involve individual, group, or family sessions.
serotonin—A chemical messenger that aids communication between many areas of the brain that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. It is also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about physical discomfort or pain between the brain and body.
SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)—A class of antidepressants that are thought to relieve the symptoms of depression by affecting the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine.
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)—A class of antidepressants that are thought to relieve the symptoms of depression by affecting the balance of serotonin.
