An update on selected organic mental syndromes

The authors review recent literature on four medical conditions that constitute important examples of organic mental disorders: AIDS dementia complex, cocaine abuse, cerebrovascular accident, and traumatic brain injury. These disorders are of particular interest because they are frequently the result of high-risk behaviors and the patients are often young adults. Progress in classification and diagnosis, along with greater understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, has facilitated therapies to ameliorate some symptoms. More specific classification of organic mental disorders should facilitate the examination of biological factors believed responsible for functional psychiatric disturbances.