$Unique_ID{BRK00141}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{How Does a Doctor Determine the Cause of Crazy Behavior?}
$Subject{behavior mental illness}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Does a Doctor Determine the Cause of Crazy Behavior?


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QUESTION:  How can a doctor tell whether crazy behavior is caused by a
physical disease or brought on by emotional or other causes?

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ANSWER:  It's not an easy diagnosis to make, and takes considerable skill and
experience.  Researchers estimate that about 10% of all patients who show up
in hospitals or emergency rooms with psychiatric symptoms are actually
suffering from some physical problem that has affected their mind.  A complete
physical examination, with laboratory tests, is an important step in finding
out exactly what is wrong.  This exam should include a complete neurological
work-up as well as an assessment of mental status at the time of hospital
admission.  The patient should be examined and questioned (or his or her
family questioned) about past trauma to the head, drinking and drug history,
recent illnesses, and usual habits.
     Many physical diseases or problems can cause mental instabilty, mania,
depression, schizoid symptoms, anxiety disorders, delirium, or dementia.  A
tumor, stroke, or injury to the skull can produce psychiatric symptoms before
any others are seen.  A CT scan of the skull may rule out these situations.
     Similarly, epilepsy can create psychiatric symptoms, in some cases.
Infectious diseases that cause mental problems, such as meningitis or
encephalitis, should also be ruled out.  Laboratory tests can also be done to
rule out thyroid conditions, adrenal disease, diabietes, and liver diesase.  A
leading cause of psychiatric symptoms is drug and alcohol abuse.  Most
hospitals will test a patient admitted for psychiatric problems for recent
drug use.  No matter the cause, the patients must be treated with respect, and
careful analysis to provide them with the help they need.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
