Organic mental disorders are a group of mental illnesses that do not fall under the umbrella of psychosis. They can be caused by a number of different factors, including genetics or brain trauma. Symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, irritability, and loss of thinking abilities. Fortunately, there are some forms of treatment for organic mental disorders that can help improve a person’s symptoms.
Psychiatry Definitions
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classifies the major mental illnesses based on their onset, clinical features, and etiology. Some disorders are grouped by shared clinical features, while others are classified by the presence of specific comorbidities or syndromes.
Some of these classifications can be misleading, since the underlying causes of organic mental disorders are often not clearly identified. They can also lead to inaccurate diagnoses, which may cause additional medical complications for patients and their families.
For example, delirium is often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia or dementia, when in fact it is just a very serious, debilitating form of agitation that is caused by an uncontrolled reaction to a stressor such as a drug overdose.
This can cause people to become confused and forgetful, and it may lead to a loss of self-esteem and independence. These organic mental disorders can be treated with medication and other therapies.
Delirium, dementia, and amnesia are all characterized by the loss of short-term memory and the inability to remember things from the past or remember new information. These are common symptoms of organic mental disorders, and it is important to visit a doctor if these symptoms persist.
A therapist can help identify the symptoms of organic mental disorders and determine if there is a physical cause for them. A physician can also determine if a patient is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, which can help with costs associated with medical treatments.
In addition to medical treatment, a patient with an organic mental disorder can benefit from psychological therapy and cognitive rehabilitation. These can help with issues such as resolving anxiety and stress, and improving the patient’s mood and overall quality of life.
These therapies can also improve the patient’s overall health, and can help patients live longer, healthier lives. They can also prevent some types of chronic mental illnesses from developing.
Nonpsychotic organic mental disorders are also referred to as non-demented organic brain syndrome. These can be caused by traumatic injuries or diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
They can also be caused by substance abuse, infections, or a faulty hormonal balance in the body. These can also cause problems with the brain’s ability to communicate with other parts of the body and mind.
The majority of Organic mental disorders can be successfully treated with medication and other therapeutic interventions. However, if the cause of the illness is chronic, it can be difficult to treat.
A psychiatrist can recommend a combination of medications and therapy to help a person with an organic mental disorder. They can also work with the patient’s family to provide support and guidance.
