answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Psychological dependence is a vague term that is losing popularity with addiction professionals. It refers to circumstances or activity -- not involving drugs -- that have come to be so much a part of a person's life that they are interfering with normal living, yet the person continues them anyway.

Compulsive masturbation would be a good example, and it used to be said that marijuana use caused only psychological addiction. We now know that is not the case, and that physical addiction is definitely an issue with frequent use of THC compounds.

The reason the term is falling out of use? As we learn more about addictions and dependencies of various kinds, we discover that they all seem to relate to changes in brain chemistry that involve the "pleasure circuit," certain neurotransmitters and receptors that create pleasurable feelings and that can be stimulated by outside sources, whether drugs, alcohol or activities such as shopping or gambling.

Since many of these things have now been found to act on the same parts of the brain, chemically, physically or both, there is a growing consensus that we will eventually find that even dependencies and addictions that do not involve actual chemical stimulation of the brain will turn out to have more in common than we suspected. Thus, "psychological dependence" is becoming just another less than completely accurate term for some addictions.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1w ago

Psychological dependence is a form of dependence that involves emotional and mental reliance on a substance, behavior, or activity. It is characterized by a perceived need for the substance or behavior to cope with stress, anxiety, or other psychological symptoms, even if there is no physical withdrawal.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

subconsciously you have a psychological dependence on something, whether it be a drug , sex, people

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What does psychological dependence mean?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Psychology

What drug is least likely to lead to psychological dependence?

Loperamide (Imodium) is least likely to lead to psychological dependence, as it does not cross the blood-brain barrier to affect the central nervous system. It is primarily used to treat diarrhea.


What substance causes physiological or psychological dependence?

Substances like alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can lead to physiological and psychological dependence when used repeatedly. These substances can alter brain chemistry, leading to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulties in controlling their use.


A strong physical and psychological craving for a substance?

This describes addiction, characterized by a compulsive need to use a substance despite negative consequences. It involves both a physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used, and a psychological dependence, where a person feels a strong urge or craving to use the substance.


What is phychological dependence?

Psychological dependence is a condition where a person believes they need a substance in order to feel normal or cope with daily life. It involves craving the substance and feeling unable to function without it, even if there are no physical symptoms of withdrawal present. This type of dependence is often linked to mental and emotional factors, rather than physical changes in the body.


Is snuff addictive?

Yes, snuff can be addictive because it contains nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Regular use of snuff can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult to quit.

Related questions

What does dependence mean?

subconsciously you have a psychological dependence on something, whether it be a drug , sex, people


What is physical dependance?

Physical dependence on a substance is a physiological rather than a psychological dependence.


Is vomiting a physical or psychological dependence?

physical


What are the two forms of nicotine dependence?

Physical and Psychological


What drug is least likely to lead to psychological dependence?

Loperamide (Imodium) is least likely to lead to psychological dependence, as it does not cross the blood-brain barrier to affect the central nervous system. It is primarily used to treat diarrhea.


Which is not one of nicotine's short-term effects?

Psychological dependence..


Which is not one of nicotines short-term effects?

Psychological dependence..


Which is not one of nicotine short term effects?

Psychological dependence..


What psychological dependence does LSD produce?

LSD has very little to no chance of producing psychological dependence. Nearly all psychedelics are resistant to psychological dependence due to the nature of the experience (i.e you would be greatly aware of any compulsive or addictive behavior and would stop). LSD has in fact been used to treat other drug dependencies such as alcoholism.


During detoxification the patient physical and psychological dependence are overcome?

The answer would be false!


The state of emotionally or mentally needing a drug in order to function?

Psychological Dependence


Substance abuse and addiction are called what?

Substance abuse and addiction is called dependence. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they develop a physical and/or psychological dependence.