The “pituitary gland” is an endocrine gland located just beneath the brain (it is tucked into a bony space below the brain). The pituitary gland receives input and influence from the hypothalamus. It produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which controls the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This helps trigger the “fight-or-flight” response.

The term “breakthrough depression” refers to a depressive episode that occurs in someone with bipolar disorder or major depression who has been doing reasonably well with long-term treatment.

A set of symptoms which occur when addictive drugs such as alcohol or caffeine are not increased in dosage to overcome the effects of the tolerance that builds while taking them or when they are abruptly discontinued.

A sudden muscle spasm, and usually one caused by a nervous condition.

Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of antidepressant medications whose basic chemical structure consists of three rings hooked together.

SSRI (or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). A class of antidepressants (as fluoxetine or sertraline) that inhibit the inactivation of serotonin by blocking it’s reuptake by presynaptic nerve cell endings.

Social Anxiety Disorder – Also known as “social phobia” or “social anxiety”. Social Anxiety Disorder is a diagnosis within psychiatry and other mental health professions referring to excessive anxiety in social situations causing relatively extreme distress and impaired ability to function in at least some areas of daily life. The diagnosis can be of a specific disorder (when only some particular situations are feared) or a generalized disorder.

Serotonin are neurotransmitters found in areas of the brain associated with mood, pleasure, sleep, reduction of aggression and reduction of the perception of pain.

Palpitations are a strong, rapid heart beat associated with the feeling that your heart is going to jump out of your chest.

A panic attack is a spontaneous, sudden, unexpected and brief episode of terror when there is no reason to be fearful.