Psychiatric disorders due to general medical conditions: Evolution of the concept and recommendations for the future

Abstract 

Objective

Although the fact that brain diseases can cause behavioral, cognitive and emotional changes is well-established, a field specifically addressing this area has been slow to develop. A proper nomenclature that places this field in a proper position within the larger field of psychiatry has also been difficult to arrive at. In this article the development of concepts and nomenclature related to disorders on the border between Neurology and Psychiatry is reviewed.

Methods

Both the evolution of the “organicity” concepts in the DSM system as well as the parallel development in the actual clinical field of Neuropsychiatry are examined.

Results

The author concludes that while the field of Psychiatry in general continues to struggle with the mind–body dualism problem, classification of neuropsychiatric disorders does not seem to be influenced by this issue. The subspecialty field of Neuropsychiatry continues to evolve rapidly with a subspecialty certification already in place.

Conclusions and recommendations

The author supports the use of the term “Neuropsychiatric” to refer to the subgroups of psychiatric disorders directly or indirectly resulting from manifest brain pathology.

Keywords: Mental, Psychiatric, Neuropsychiatry, General medical conditions