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.