Organic Mental Disorder Causes and Treatment

Organic Mental Disorder Causes and Treatment Theories Biological Psychology Print Organic Mental Disorder Causes and Treatment By Ann Logsdon Ann Logsdon is a school psychologist specializing in helping parents and teachers support students with a range of educational and developmental disabilities.   Learn about our editorial policy Ann Logsdon Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 05, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Carsten Koall/Getty Images More in Theories Biological Psychology Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Psychosocial Psychology An organic mental disorder is a dysfunction of the brain that may be permanent or temporary. It describes reduced brain function due to illnesses that are not psychiatric in nature.   Sometimes the term organic mental disorder is used interchangeably with the terms organic brain syndrome (OBS), chronic organic brain syndrome, or neurocognitive disorderâ€"this latter term is the one used more commonly now. Causes Organic mental disorders are disturbances that may be caused by injury or disease affecting brain tissues as well as by chemical or hormonal abnormalities. Exposure to toxic materials, neurological impairment, or abnormal changes associated with aging can also cause these disorders. Alcohol or metabolic disorders, such as liver, kidney or thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies, may be factors, too. Concussions, blood clots, or bleeding in or around the brain from trauma may lead to organic brain syndrome. Low oxygen in the blood, high amounts of carbon dioxide in the body, strokes, brain infections, and  heart infections can lead to an  organic mental disorder as well. Degenerative disorders like Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, Huntington disease, and multiple sclerosis may also be contributing factors. How Alcohol Damages the Brain Symptoms A person with an organic mental disorder  may have difficulty concentrating  for a long period of time. Others may get confused while performing tasks that seem routine to others. Managing relationships and collaborating and communicating with colleagues, friends, or family may also prove difficult. Overall, the severity of the symptoms  and the type of symptoms a person has vary on the cause of their disorder. Primary Symptoms ConfusionAgitationIrritabilityA change in behavior, impaired brain function, cognitive ability, or memory If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, its important to seek medical care as soon as possible. A serious medical problem may have caused these symptoms to surface, and early intervention may be key. Diagnosis and Treatment Blood tests, spinal taps, or an electroencephalogram may be administered to diagnose organic brain syndrome or an organic mental disorder. Imaging of the brain, like a CT scan or MRI, is also useful, depending on a doctors suspicion. Treatments for organic mental disorders vary on what the underlying cause is. Medication may be prescribed or rehabilitation therapy may help patients recover function in the parts of the brain affected by the organic mental disorder. Find Treatment With an Online Therapy Program Complications While some organic mental disorders may only be temporary, others often get worse with time. Disorders that dont respond to treatment may lead the patient to lose the ability to function independently or to interact with others. In short, the chance of recovery or the outlook of a persons disorder depends on a number of factors, mostly what the cause is behind their impaired brain function. While the diagnosis of an organic mental disorder (or neurocognitive disorder, as it is now referred to) can be frightening, you are not alone, and there are ample resources available to help you or your loved one.