The significance of some mental disturbances during convalescence from surgical operations

Early recognition and treatment of mental disturbances following operation may reduce the gravity of the complication and improve the prognosis. To aid in recognition, postoperative mental disturbances may be classified in accordance with the relative importance of organic as contrasted with psychogenic factors in development of them. Treatment of disturbances falling within any of the three classifications should be begun even before the exact classification is definitely established. It consists initially of promoting adequate nutrition, sedation with paraldehyde if necessary, constant special nursing care if possible, and frequent reassurance of the patient by the physician.