Glossary D

Degeneration

Deterioration or change from a higher to a lower form, especially change of tissue to a lower or less functionally active form.

Delta waves

Brain waves with a frequency below 3.5 per second, typical in deep sleep.

Depressant

A drug that decreases the rate of vital physiological activities; Tending to lower the rate of vital physiological activities. E.g.a Cardiac Depressant depresses the rate or force of contraction of the heart.

Dermal

Of or relating to the skin or dermis.

Descending inhibition

Inhibition of pain by the activation of descending pathways from the brain to the spinal cord. Compounds that afcet both serotonin and norepinephrine, such as Tricyclic antidepressants and SNRIs, work on neuropathic pain in this way.

Dopamine

A neurochemical made in the brain that is involved in many brain activities, including movement and emotion. It is an intermediate product in the synthesis of norepinephrine, and acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Dopamine Theory of Fibromyalgia

A theory as to the process behind Fibromyalgia Syndrome, instigated by Dr Patrick Wood MD. The Dopamine Theory of Fibromyalgia proposes that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as stress and trauma, causes a reduction in the production of dopamine in the brain of people with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and the reduced levels of dopamine then go on to cause other abonormalities and cause the symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Dopaminergic

Activated or transmitted by dopamine; or relating to tissues or organs affected by dopamine.

Double-blind

A testing procedure, designed to eliminate biased results, in which the identity of those receiving a test treatment (as opposed to a Placebo) is concealed from both administrators and subjects until after the study is completed.

Drug

A chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body; to administer a drug to.

Duragesic

Duragesic is the trade name for Fentanyl transdermal patches. See Fentanyl for more information.