Organic Mental Disorder
A Psychological Definition
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | December 26, 2022 (modified January 20, 2023)
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | December 26, 2022 (modified January 20, 2023)
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Most of us take a well functioning mental processes for granted. We take "the thousand natural shocks
that flesh is heir to," process the madness, and resiliently survive. However, mental faculties are delicately balanced, and under harsh conditions, may falter. Declining mental functions may occur for a variety of reasons. When there is a physical cause for a mental disorder, either from disease or injury, these disorders are listed as organic. The term organic mental disorders is used to describe all diagnostic groups in which an organic brain disease or a known physical injury is the main cause for the mental symptoms. Organic Mental Disorders are characterized by any decrease in mental functioning caused by physical trauma, anoxic injury, damage from chemicals or toxins, infections, cancers, and degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc...). Three Classes of Mental Disorders Mental disorders are commonly classed in 3 categories. Organic Mental Disorders Organic mental disorders can be subdivided into three subcategories:
Psychotic Disorders The second category of mental disorders is designated for the disorders with psychosis. These disorders fall under three subcategories:
Non-organic, Non-psychotic Disorders The third category is composed of all mental disorders that do not have organic or psychosis as the basis of the disorder (Xu, 2009). Historically, these disorders have been referred to as a neurosis. Included in third category are the neurotic diseases formerly known as axis II disorders, mostly known as the personality disorders. These disorders are seen as functional disorders because they serve a functional purpose for dealing with harsh environments. They serve a protective purpose working as a defense mechanism against threats to the ego. Examples of Organic Disorders A notable example of an organic mental disorder from psychological history is the case of Phineas Gage. While working on a blasting crew in 1848, due to an error, an accidental explosion thrust his tampering iron through his brain, largely removing most of his left prefrontal cortex. Gage survived the accident but suffered from extreme emotional lability after the accident. The traumatic brain injury impacted Gage's ability to regulate emotions. Reportedly, towards the end of Gages life he began to regain many of the regulation skills he initially lost during the accident. My dad is another excellent example of an individual with an organic mental disorder. I mentioned him in a number of articles over the years (Stoically Aloof, An Example of Kindness). My dad is seven years into a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Once a retired engineer, he now is completely dependent on others for his care. His mental capacity is severely diminished. All Disorders Have an Organic Basis While only certain mental disorders are considered as organic disorders, all mental states and conditions are organic in basis. All mental disorders "are rooted in neural activity" (Kihlstrom, 2005). While categories and subcategories serve a purpose, they have limitations. William James wrote, "most cases are mixed cases, and we should not treat our classifications with too much respect" (2008). Most mental disorders have both a biological and environmental component. The biological givens create certain vulnerabilities that may activate a disorder when exposed to overwhelming stress. The diathesis stress model theorizes that "biological or genetic traits (diatheses) interact with environmental influences (stressors) to produce disorders such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia" (Murphy, 2021). A Few Final Words While we may be more apt to express empathy with those suffering from and organic mental disorder, we should compassionately and patiently reach out to all those suffering from disorders. Whether a disorder is a coping mechanism gone haywire, or a organically inherited disease doesn't matter. A human being is struggling, experiencing pain, and needs acceptance.
References: James, William (1902/2008). The Varieties of Religious Experience. Arc Manor. Kihlstrom, J. (2005). Dissociative Disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 227-253. Murphy, T. Franklin (2021) Diathesis Stress Model. Flourishing Life Society. Published 9-7-2022. Accessed 12-19-2022. Xu, Y. (2009). The Third Category of Mental Disorders. "Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry", 33(4), 496-500. |
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