Glossary

α-adrenergic-antagonists (alpha blockers) are a type of drug called adrenergic antagonists.

β-adrenergic-antagonists (beta blockers) are a type of drug called adrenergic antagonists.

ω-3 fatty acids is another term for omega 3 fatty acids, which are sometimes taken as a supplement.

2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid is another term for DMPS, a synthetic chemical used as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals from the body.

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as MDMA, is an illegal drug that acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment from tactile experiences.

5-formyl tetrahydrofolate is another term for folinic acid, an active form of folate, which is another term for Vitamin B-9, which is one of the B-group of vitamins

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is another term for serotonin, a hormone and neurotrasmitter found in many tissues, including blood platelets, intestinal mucosa, the pineal body, and the central nervous system.

5-hydroxytryptophan is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine acetamide is another term for melatonin, the hormone which regulates our biological clock.

The A to Z or A-Z  method is a form of video modelling, in which videos are used to teach a range of skills to individuals with autism, such as how to interpret facial expressions.

AAT is an acronym for animal-assisted therapy, which is any therapy that involves a person interacting with animals.

ABA is an acronym for applied behaviour analysis. ABA is also sometimes used to refer to some comprehensive, multi-component programmes (especially early intensive behavioural programmes such as the University of California at Los Angeles Young Autism Project model).

Acamprosate is a drug which is used, along with counselling and social support, to help people who have stopped drinking large amounts of alcohol and to help them avoid drinking alcohol again.

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a form of mindfulness-based therapy, theorising that greater well-being can be attained by overcoming negative thoughts and feelings.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is another name for carnitine, a compound which helps in the consumption and disposal of fat in the body and which is sometimes taken as a nutritional supplement

Acetylcholine is a natural chemical which acts as a neurotransmitter in the peripheral nervous system and also in the central nervous system.

Acetylcysteine is another term for cysteine, an amino acid that can be found in many proteins throughout the body.

Across-task schedule is another name for visual schedule, a set of pictures that communicates a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity.

Active support, is a person-centred model of support for people with learning disabilities that is grounded in applied behaviour analysis.

Activism is the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, and so on.