Complex Health Dictionary

Complex: From 4 Different Sources


A term used in medicine to mean a group or combination of related signs and symptoms that form a syndrome (as in Eisenmenger complex), or a collection of substances of similar structure or function (as in vitamin B complex).

In psychology, a complex (for example, the Oedipus complex) is a group of unconscious ideas and memories that have emotional importance.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The term applied to a combination of various actions or symptoms. It is particularly applied to a set of symptoms occurring together in mental disease with such regularity as to receive a special name.
Health Source: Dictionary of Tropical Medicine
Author: Health Dictionary
A group of closely related species once thought to be a single species.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. 1. (in psychoanalysis) an emotionally charged and repressed group of ideas and beliefs that is capable of influencing an individual’s behaviour. The term in this sense was originally used by Jung, but it is now widely used in a looser sense to denote an unconscious motive. 2. (in medicine) a patient’s presentation in which there are a multitude of co-morbidities and/or social and psychological problems.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Oedipus Complex

A description used by psychoanalysts of the subconscious attraction of a child for its parent of the opposite sex. This is accompanied by a wish to get rid of the parent of the same sex. The origin of the phrase lies in the Greek story in which Oedipus kills his father without realising who he is, then marries his mother. It has been suggested that the arrest of psychological development at the Oedipal stage may cause NEUROSIS and sexual dysfunction.... oedipus complex

Aids-related Complex

A variety of chronic symptoms and physical findings that occur in some persons who are infected with HIV, but do not meet the Centres for Disease Control’s definition of AIDS. Symptoms may include chronic swollen glands, recurrent fevers, unintentional weight loss, chronic diarrhoea, lethargy, minor alterations of the immune system (less severe than those that occur in AIDS), and oral thrush. ARC may or may not develop into AIDS.... aids-related complex

Complexion

See ACNE; SKIN, DISEASES OF; PHOTODERMATOSES.... complexion

Qrs Complex

The section of an ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) that precedes the S-T segment and registers contraction of the VENTRICLE of the HEART.... qrs complex

Inferiority Complex

A neurotic state of mind that develops because of repeated hurts or failures in the past. Inferiority complex arises from a conflict between the positive wish to be recognized as someone worthwhile and the haunting fear of frustration and failure. Attempts to compensate for the sense of worthlessness may take the form of aggression and violence, or an overzealous involvement in activities. (See also superiority complex.)... inferiority complex

Eisenmenger Complex

A condition in which deoxygenated blood flows directly back into the circulation rather than through the lungs, due to an abnormal connection between the left and right sides of the heart and pulmonary hypertension. The resultant hypoxia causes cyanosis, fainting, and breathing difficulty. The disorder most often occurs in people with certain congenital heart defects (see heart disease, congenital), such as ventricular septal defect, that have not been corrected.

The diagnosis is confirmed by cardiac catheterization.

Once Eisenmenger complex has developed, surgical correction of the original defect will not help.

Drug treatment may control symptoms.... eisenmenger complex

Superiority Complex

An individual’s exaggerated and unrealistic belief that he or she is better than other people. In modern psychoanalytic theory, a superiority complex is considered to be a compensation for unconscious feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.... superiority complex

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

(CRPS, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD, Sudek’s atrophy) neurological dysfunction in a limb following trauma, surgery, or disease, characterized by intense burning pain, swelling, stiffness, and sweaty shiny mottled skin. It is caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. The *ESR is often elevated, X-rays may reveal some patchy osteoporosis, and a bone scan usually demonstrates increased blood flow. Early treatment with splinting and physiotherapy are essential, in combination with *sympatholytic drugs, corticosteroids, and regional sympathetic blocks; *sympathectomy may be required in chronic cases.... complex regional pain syndrome

Vitamin B Complex

A group of watersoluble vitamins comprising thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (vitamin H), and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is discussed above.

Thiamine plays a role in the activities of various enzymes involved in the utilization of carbohydrates and thus in the functioning of nerves, muscles, and the heart. Sources include whole-grain cereals, wholemeal breads, brown rice, pasta, liver, kidney, pork, fish, beans, nuts, and eggs.

Those susceptible to deficiency include elderly people on a poor diet, and people who have hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, or severe alcohol dependence. Deficiency may also occur as a result of severe illness, surgery, or injury.

Mild deficiency may cause tiredness, irritability, and loss of appetite. Severe deficiency may cause abdominal pain, constipation, depression, memory impairment, and beriberi; in alcoholics, it may cause Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. Excessive intake is not known to cause harmful effects.

Riboflavin is necessary for the activities of various enzymes involved in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; the production of energy in cells; the utilization of other B vitamins; and hormone production by the adrenal glands. Liver, whole grains, milk, eggs, and brewer’s yeast are good sources. People who are susceptible to riboflavin deficiency include those taking phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, or oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives, and those with malabsorption or severe alcohol dependence. Riboflavin deficiency may also occur as a result of serious illness, surgery, or injury.

Prolonged deficiency may cause soreness of the tongue and the corners of the mouth, and eye disorders such as amblyopia and photophobia.

Excessive intake of riboflavin is not known to have any harmful effects.

Niacin plays an essential role in the activities of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, the manufacture of sex hormones, and the maintenance of healthy skin. The main dietary sources are liver, lean meat, fish, nuts, and dried beans. Niacin can be made in the body from tryptophan (an amino acid). Most cases of deficiency are due to malabsorption disorders or to severe alcohol dependence. Prolonged niacin deficiency causes pellagra. Excessive intake is not known to cause harmful effects.

Pantothenic acid is essential for the activities of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the manufacture of corticosteroids and sex hormones, the utilization of other vitamins, the functioning of the nervous system and adrenal glands, and growth and development. It is present in almost all vegetables, cereals, and animal foods. Deficiency of pantothenic acid usually occurs as a result of malabsorption or alcoholism, but may also occur after severe illness, surgery, or injury. The effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, numbness and tingling, muscle cramps, and susceptibility to respiratory infections. In severe cases, a peptic ulcer may develop. Excessive intake has no known harmful effects.Pyridoxine aids the activities of various enzymes and hormones involved in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, in the manufacture of red blood cells and antibodies, in the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, and in the maintenance of healthy skin. Dietary sources are liver, chicken, pork, fish, whole grains, wheatgerm, bananas, potatoes, and dried beans. Pyridoxine is also manufactured by intestinal bacteria. People who are susceptible to pyridoxine deficiency include elderly people who have a poor diet, those with malabsorption or severe alcohol dependence, or those who are taking certain drugs (including penicillamine and isoniazid). Deficiency may cause weakness, irritability, depression, skin disorders, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, anaemia, and, in infants, seizures. In very large amounts, pyridoxine may cause neuritis.

Biotin is essential for the activities of various enzymes involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and carbohydrates and for the excretion of the waste products of protein breakdown. It is present in many foods, especially liver, peanuts, dried beans, egg yolk, mushrooms, bananas, grapefruit, and watermelon. Biotin is also manufactured by bacteria in the intestines. Deficiency may occur during prolonged treatment with antibiotics or sulphonamide drugs. Symptoms are weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, hair loss, depression, inflammation of the tongue, and eczema. Excessive intake has no known harmful effects.

Folic acid is vital for various enzymes involved in the manufacture of nucleic acids and consequently for growth and reproduction, the production of red blood cells, and the functioning of the nervous system. Sources include green vegetables, mushrooms, liver, nuts, dried beans, peas, egg yolk, and wholemeal bread. Mild deficiency is common, but can usually be corrected by increasing dietary intake. More severe deficiency may occur during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in premature or low-birthweight infants, in people undergoing dialysis, in people with certain blood disorders, psoriasis, malabsorption, or alcohol dependence, and in people taking certain drugs. The main effects include anaemia, sores around the mouth, and, in children, poor growth. Folic acid supplements taken just before conception, and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, have been shown to reduce the risk of a neural tube defect.... vitamin b complex

Complex Partial Seizure

see epilepsy.... complex partial seizure

Mai Complex

a group of bacteria comprising Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare, which are responsible for *opportunistic infections of the lung. See Mycobacterium.... mai complex

Major Histocompatibility Complex

see MHC.... major histocompatibility complex

Osteomeatal Complex

see ostiomeatal complex.... osteomeatal complex

Ostiomeatal Complex

(osteomeatal complex) the part of the *paranasal sinuses where the frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses communicate with the interior of the nose, which is affected in chronic *rhinosinusitis. *Endoscopic sinus surgery is often aimed at improving the function of this region.... ostiomeatal complex



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