Organic Disorders

Abstract:

Organic mental disorders, in contrast to functional (i.e., psychological) disorders, have historically been defined as mental disorders that can be attributed to biological pathology. Disorders that were classified as organic mental disorders in previous editions of the DSM have been divided into three separate sections in the DSM-IV: (1) Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic and Other Cognitive Disorders; (2) Mental Disorders Due to a General Medical Condition; and (3) Substance-Related Disorders. Organic mental disorders may be classified as either acute or chronic based on duration, abruptness on onset, and defining symptoms. Proper assessment and diagnosis of organic disorders is essential, as leaving them untreated may lead to further deterioration or premature death. The majority of organic disorders are maintained by the underlying biological cause, and therefore require medical treatment to ameliorate the condition. However, a biopsychosocial approach