PSYCH257 Lecture : Abnormal Psychology 2nd CDN edition Chapter 15

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH257
• Professor: Uzma Rehman

Document Summary

Neurons don"t regenerate if damaged/die, -> damage accumulates, affects cognitive process, ex. Cogd"s develop later in life (unlike developmental disorders that develop at birth); Predominant feature is impairment of cognitive abilities: ex. Impaired consciousness/cognition; usu. from hours-days; look confused, disoriented, can"t focus/sustain attn. 10-30% of people in emergency rooms; usu. older adults, cancer, aids patients; Link"d w/: intoxication, withdrawal, infections, head injury, improper meds (warning for elderly) Criteria: disturbance of consciousness (reduced awareness); + change in memory, language over short time. Occurs during course of dementia (44% of dementia); usu. reversed w/ treatment. Can infect older people easier (ex. w/ mild infections); multiple hospital room changes can also affect. Quick, in-hospital recovery assoc"d w/ ^ long-term outcomes; psychosocial interventions can help. Reassure person i order to ease anxiety, use family photos, -> less institutionalization w/ elderly. Haloperidol/antipsych meds used to treat delirium from withdrawal of alcohol, acute delirium. Proper medical care for illness/therapeutic drug monitoring best for prevention;