Organic Mental Disorders: Introduction (02:36)

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Nick Crane’s accident left him brain damaged with physical and psychological issues. Larry Gorell has brain damage from a disease. Alcoholism has left Wyatt Ingram without short term memory. Head trauma, medical problems, and toxic substances cause organic mental disorders.

Normal Brain Function (02:47)

Dr. Robert Carson defines organic mental disorder as an instance of mental or behavioral aberration with accompanying evidence of structural or functional physical brain impairment. Learn about the cortexes, limbic system, and neural pathways.

Head Trauma (06:21)

Psychological effects occur along a continuum; Carson discusses Phineas Gage's case. Steven Baker suffers frontal lobe damage impacting his emotions and impulsivity. Nick began experiencing depression, memory problems, psychotic behavior, and poor judgment after his accident. Reactive depression can also occur.

Recovering from Head Injury (03:31)

Nick's parents separated after his accident, contributing to his depression. Learn about his emotional, behavioral and cognitive skill rehabilitation training.

Preparing to Return to Society (09:34)

Head injured patients must learn to accept decreased life skills. Dr. Yehuda Ben-Yishay discusses identity and self-esteem challenges. Rehabilitation components include optimizing patient focus, motivating them, making them aware of their deficits, evaluating learning and problem solving abilities, and determining work capacity.

Medical Problems and Mental Disorders (06:10)

Alzheimer's patient Larry has memory problems, altered behavior, and confusion. The disease first affects the parietal and temporal lobes, and then frontal lobe. Neuron plaques are thought to destroy cells; neurotransmitters are reduced. Hear why symptoms are varied.

Life with Alzheimer's (07:21)

Testing for Larry's deficits demonstrates areas of the brain affected. Gradual disease progression stresses relationships; caregivers are called "second patients." Lisa Gwyther helps them understand why their loved ones undergo behavioral and personality changes. Larry's wife shares feelings of grief.

Toxic Substances and Mental Disorders (04:26)

The Mad Hatter represents 19th century hat makers that exhibited unusual behavior. Neurotoxins impact brain chemistry and produce cognitive and behavioral disorders. Learn about a Michigan community exposed to PBBs in livestock feed in 1973.

Alcoholism and Neurological Function (08:59)

Alcohol is a neurotoxic substance; chronic abuse can cause permanent loss of cognitive abilities. Wyatt has suffers short term memory loss and is unable to learn new information. Hear how Korsakoff Syndrome develops from drinking and thiamine deficiency.

Living with Amnesia (01:37)

Wyatt's wife discusses his ability to improvise, despite suffering short term memory loss. Keeping a structured, familiar environment helps him stay independent.

Organic Mental Disorders Summary (02:35)

Head trauma, Alzheimer's disease, and Korsakoff Syndrome damage the brain, are incurable, and negatively impact patients' daily lives. However, psychosocial situational interventions can help them to function better.

Credits: Organic Mental Disorders (01:20)

Credits: Organic Mental Disorders