1. The act of removal or retreat. 2. A psychologic and/or physical syndrome caused by the abrupt cessation of the use of a drug in an habituated individual. 3. The therapeutic process of discontinuing a drug so as to avoid the symptoms of w. (2). 4. A pattern of behavior observed in schizophrenia and depression, characterized by a pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement and leading to self-preoccupation.
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with·draw·al -'drȯ(ə-)l n
1 a) a pathological retreat from objective reality (as in some schizophrenic states)
b) social or emotional detachment
2 a) the discontinuance of administration or use of a drug
b) the syndrome of often painful physical and psychological symptoms that follows discontinuance of an addicting substance <a heroin addict going through \withdrawal>
3) COITUS INTERRUPTUS
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n.
1. (in psychology) the removal of one's interest from one's surroundings. Thought withdrawal is the experience of one's thoughts being removed from one's head, which is characteristic of schizophrenia.
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with·draw·al (with-drawґəl) 1. a pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement, as may occur in schizophrenia, depression, or schizoid, avoidant, or schizotypal personality disorders. 2. substance w.Medical dictionary. 2011.