L9_ organic_mental_disorders_1_flashcards
What are organic mental disorders?
Behavioral or psychological disorders due to demonstrable cerebral disease or dysfunction, either primary or secondary.
What are the major categories of organic mental disorders?
Delirium, dementia, organic amnestic syndrome, and other organic mental disorders.
What are the common causes of delirium?
Metabolic causes (hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hepatic/uremic encephalopathy), infections, drugs, endocrine disorders, trauma, and systemic diseases.
What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for delirium?
Acute onset, clouding of consciousness, impaired attention, disorientation, perceptual disturbances, fluctuating course.
What is the management of delirium?
Hospitalization, identifying and treating the underlying cause, ensuring a well-lit room, avoiding frequent staff changes, and using benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal.
What are the most common causes of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease (50-60%), vascular dementia (20-25%), dementia with Lewy bodies (15-20%).
How does dementia differ from delirium?
Dementia is chronic with global cognitive impairment and intact consciousness, while delirium is acute with fluctuating consciousness.
What are reversible causes of dementia?
Vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, normal pressure hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure.
What are the main symptoms of dementia?
Memory loss (recent more than remote), impaired attention, executive dysfunction, personality changes, and psychotic features in late stages.
What are the key diagnostic tools for dementia?
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), clock drawing test, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog), neuropsychological tests, MRI/CT brain scan.
What are the common investigations for dementia?
Blood tests (FBC, U&E, LFTs, calcium, thyroid function), vitamin B12/folate levels, neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
What is the pharmacological treatment for dementia?
Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) to slow progression, antipsychotics for agitation, SSRIs for depression, and mood stabilizers for aggression.
What supportive measures are recommended for dementia patients?
Occupational therapy, speech therapy, social support, caregiver education, and structured routine.
