Basic Science and Pathophysiology

Consideration should be given to the potential causes for an alteration in mental state.

This list illustrates a few of the potential organic causes of an altered mental state [4].

  • Structural abnormalities – space-occupying lesions
  • Biochemical changes – electrolyte imbalances
  • Physiological changes – hypotension
  • Multi-factorial conditions – sepsis

Psychiatric conditions may in part be due to genetic, biochemical and structural abnormalities.

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