Abstinence: The choice to not have any sexual intercourse or to not have sex of any kind. See related article on Abstinence

Acne: Acne is known as black heads, cysts, pustules, pimples and outbreaks.  This is caused by a chronic disorder of the hair follicles.  There are many treatments for Acne including antibiotics and/or injections. See related article on Acne

Acute Care: Any care received on an inpatient basis.  Generally this would be for the short term treatment of a specific illness.

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder.  This may also be called ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  The characteristics of this disorder are behavior problems, learning disorders as well as hyperactivity, lack of maintaining focus and being impulsive. See related article on ADD

AIDS: A serious and sometimes fatal disease of the immune system.  Aids is transmitted through blood, sexual contact and contaminated needles.

Alcohol Abuse: Any individual who consumes alcohol without regard to health problems or relationship problems. See related article on Teen Alcohol Abuse

Amphetamines: Typically thought of as an illegal substance known as "uppers" or stimulants, amphetamines are often given to children to treat ADHD or prescribed by a doctor for weight loss.

Anesthesia: Used for the prevention of pain.  This can be local or general.  Local anesthesia is used to prevent pain in a specific area of the body.  General anesthesia is used to put one to sleep, generally for an operation.

Anorexia: An unnatural loss of appetite that causes severe weight loss. See related article on Anorexia

Anti-depressants: A set of medications used in the management, prevention and treatment of clinical depression.  Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta, Prozac, Imiprimine, Luvox, Remeron, Effexor, Elavil, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Lexapro are generally the most common.  Some of these are known to be SSRI's and impact the way the brain regulates Serotonin. See related article on Depression Treatment

Antipsychotics: Medications for the treatment and prevention of psychosis.  Some of these medications include, but are not limited to, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine.  These medications block dopamine which is thought to play a role in schizophrenia.

Anus: The end of the digestive tract where solid waste is expelled.

Anxiety: This is generally a feeling of restlessness, fear and apprehension. See related article on Teen Anxiety

Anxiolytics: A set of medications used in the treatment or prevention of anxiety.  These include, but are not limited to, Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Serax, Librium, Klonopin, Halcion and Dalmane.

Arson: A crime of intentionally burning or attempting to burn property.  See related article on Firesetting

Asperger's Syndrome: A brain dysfunction related to Autism, however it is not a form of Autism.  These individuals are generally of high intelligence, however, lack appropriate social and communication skills.

Autism: A brain function disorder that appears at a young age, typically by 3 years old, and continues through adulthood causing problems with communication, social interaction, and behavior. See related article on Teen Autism