Such a pathology as organic emotionally labile asthenic disorder is little known to the public, but occurs quite often. It is caused by damage to the tissues of the central nervous system in the brain as a result of injury, infection, or intoxication. In ICD-10, this disease has code F06.6 and is characterized by changes in emotions and mood in a wide range (lability), unpleasant physical sensations and pain, and fatigue resulting from an organic disorder.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Psychoorganic syndrome, which affects children and adults, can result from:
- problematic pregnancy and childbirth, accompanied by toxicosis, eclampsia, threat of miscarriage;
- severe condition of the newborn requiring the use of mechanical ventilation;
- infections and serious illnesses in early childhood;
- epilepsy;
- HIV;
- head injuries
- tumors, vascular diseases of the brain - hypertension (stroke), atherosclerosis;
- encephalitis, neurosyphilis, etc.;
- consequences of anesthesia;
- intoxication with alcohol and drugs.
There is also a hereditary predisposition.
Organic emotional labile asthenic disorder is classified as hysterical. It is also considered borderline, since it occupies an intermediate position between schizophrenia and disorders such as affective, personality, and neurotic.
Psychoorganic syndrome
Organic mental disorders are characterized by the mandatory presence of the so-called. psychoorganic syndrome (impaired emotions, memory and intelligence). The mood may be inappropriately increased or decreased, anxiety or a sad-angry mood may be observed. Affect (emotional manifestations) is characterized by lability (variability), explosiveness (explosiveness), flattening (insufficient depth of experience). All memory processes (memorization, storage, reproduction of information) are reduced. False memories are observed (confabulations), memory for some periods of life is completely absent (amnesia). Thinking is characterized, on the one hand, by inhibition of mental processes (torpidity), difficulty switching (rigidity), and on the other hand, by increased exhaustion. The general level of thinking decreases (concepts and ideas become impoverished), a tendency to unnecessary detail appears, and perseverations arise (“getting stuck” and constant repetition of the same thought or expression). The ability to navigate is impaired - first in the environment, and then in one’s own personality. The ability to grasp the full meaning of a situation disappears; only partial details are perceived.
Symptoms and consequences
People suffering from this organic disorder are quick-tempered, angry, and even for minor reasons they experience violent outbursts of emotions. Their loved ones irritate them, and troubles are perceived literally like this: “everything is lost.” The mood changes abruptly and dramatically, like the weather in spring. Negative reactions arise spontaneously and cannot be adjusted.
Patients are touchy, prone to sentimentality, and tearful. Asthenia is manifested by weakness, rapid fatigue - even 2-3 hours of work is enough for them to get tired. Then complete powerlessness sets in, requiring serious rest.
Such people experience frequent headaches, even dizziness. Typically, such sensations occur when weather conditions change. They cannot tolerate a lack of oxygen and stuffiness, so it is difficult for them to travel on public transport. Sunlight hurts the eyes, normal sounds are perceived as very loud, even a slight touch causes pain.
Children with psychoorganic syndrome may talk in their sleep or walk.
As the disease progresses, problems with emotions, thinking and memory become more severe. The patient, talking about something, is distracted from the main thread of the story, going into insignificant, insignificant details. His thoughts become viscous, he often repeats the same phrases, his vocabulary becomes impoverished, and rhymes slip through his everyday speech.
The individual completes the assigned task slowly, since his mental processes proceed inertly. He remembers recent events poorly, not to mention those that happened long ago.
Critical abilities are impaired, and, although the patient understands the line between good and bad, he may speak tactlessly or commit an unacceptable action.
Character deteriorates, and what a person previously tried not to demonstrate, considering it a bad trait, comes out. He becomes boastful, sticks out his merits, exaggerating and pathetically praising them. Such euphoria abruptly turns into gloom, melancholy and suddenly - an affective outburst over a small matter. At this moment, the patient loses self-control, his consciousness narrows and focuses on the immediate task - to immediately punish the one who offended him, even if nothing of the kind actually happened. And then a tragedy may occur: he will commit a crime, maybe even kill.
As the disorder progresses, it leads to negative personality changes, namely social maladjustment. Relationships with loved ones deteriorate, difficulties arise in school and work. Professional performance deteriorates so much that it leads to dismissal.
Neurological disorders are added to psychoorganic disorders. These may be seizures or nocturnal diuresis (paroxysms).
To escape from problems, patients begin to drink alcohol and take drugs. This, in turn, leads to delirium tremens and amnesia, increasing the risk of increased criminal behavior and death.
The main feature of the disorder: loss of control over aggressiveness, the outbreak of which occurs without any reason. The internal tension for such a surge can increase in a minute or several hours. After a momentary attack of rage, the patient moves away and repents of what happened, which distinguishes this disease from dissocial personality disorder.
All of the above clearly convinces that organic emotional labile asthenic disorder must begin to be treated in the early stages. This should be done jointly by a psychiatrist and a neurologist.
Very often, the patient himself and those around him attribute the above-mentioned behavior to bad character, without resorting to therapy and wasting time. An experienced specialist will make a diagnosis at the first appointment and prescribe treatment. The result of therapy is very favorable if the patient follows all the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician.
Diagnosis F 06.0 Organic hallucinosis
A disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent hallucinations, usually visual or auditory, that occur during clear consciousness and may not always be recognized as such by the patient. A delusional interpretation of hallucinations may be noted, but delusions do not dominate the clinical picture; awareness of the surroundings can be maintained.
Organic hallucinatory state (non-alcoholic)
Excluded:
- alcoholic hallucinosis (F10.5)
- schizophrenia (F20.-)
Diagnostics
If a person often has a headache, quite severely, blurred vision, noise in the ears, or increased blood pressure, then these are clear signals to see a doctor. It is imperative to go to an appointment if, in addition, the individual has the symptoms described above.
The doctor determines the presence of an organic emotionally labile disorder through a conversation with a visitor who describes his condition.
To confirm the diagnosis, the patient may be sent:
- donate blood;
- for pathopsychological examination;
- undergo MRI, CT, EEG.
A specialist needs to differentiate the disorder from age-related changes and character traits. This usually happens with children who, at a certain period of life, experience conditions similar to psychoorganic disorders characteristic of the mental illness in question: disobedience, lack of initiative, capriciousness, inability to concentrate, tearfulness.
The diagnosis is made based on the general criteria of emotionally labile asthenic disorder and the presence of at least three of the following signs of impulsivity:
- unstable mood;
- a tendency to conflict, especially if someone tries to influence or hinder an impulsive act;
- unexpected actions without thinking about the consequences;
- uncontrollable emotional outbursts of anger, violence;
- inability to do something without immediate encouragement.
At least two from this list must also be present:
- constant feeling of inner emptiness;
- a disorder of perception of both oneself and one’s preferences in terms of values, friends, career, sex;
- the desire to do anything, just not to be alone;
- the establishment of intense personal relationships, characterized by instability and leading to emotional outbursts;
- Threats to injure oneself and their implementation.
Main causes of asthenia
In medicine, asthenic syndrome is one of the most common. It is observed in a variety of therapeutic, neurological, infectious diseases, some mental disorders, in the post-traumatic, postoperative and postpartum periods. Therefore, doctors of various specializations deal with asthenia. Asthenia can be the first symptom of the onset of the disease, accompany it during the period of activity and occur during recovery.
In addition, important factors leading or potentiating its development are:
- unbalanced or insufficient nutrition and nutritional deficiencies;
- metabolic disease;
- intoxication;
- high stress (both physical and mental);
- chronic stress condition;
- mental disorders;
- acute diseases and exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Therefore, it is very important to be attentive to the needs of your body, take care of your condition, provide yourself with the necessary help in time to improve your health, and restore strength when needed!
Treatment of personality disorders
There are no medications specifically designed to treat personality disorders. However, medications such as mood stabilizers, sedatives, behavior correctors, amino acids, vitamins, etc. often help get rid of the manifestations of a personality disorder.
The main method of therapy is a combination of several psychotherapy techniques. Drug therapy can be used as an aid. In addition to active therapy, those who want to get rid of a personality disorder need their own self-help and coping strategies. Such strategies are developed by the patient together with a psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
Self-help tips
- Be active. Physical activity and exercise can help manage many symptoms such as depression, stress and anxiety.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illicit drugs may worsen symptoms or interact with medications.
- Get routine medical care. Do not neglect examinations or regular care with your family doctor.
- Join a support group for other people with personality disorders.
- Write in a journal to express your emotions.
- Try relaxation and stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation.
- Stay connected with family and friends; avoid isolation.
When to see a doctor
Personality disorders usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood. There are many types of the disease. Some types of disorder may become less relevant as you age.
If you have any signs or symptoms of a personality disorder, consult a mental health professional. Without treatment, serious problems may arise in your life. Symptoms often worsen and without medical help a person’s quality of life drops significantly.
Personality disorders can significantly disrupt the lives of both the affected person and those who care for them. They often cause problems in relationships at work or school. Symptoms that occur often lead to social isolation and alcohol or drug abuse.
Treatment of patients with emotional lability
By selecting effective therapeutic methods, doctors at the Yusupov Hospital initially find out the cause of the weakening of the nervous system and related disorders. To carry out a complete correction of emotional lability, medications are prescribed to treat the disease that caused the emotional disorder. Patients are advised to ensure healthy sleep, good nutrition, and walks in the fresh air. It is necessary to exclude situations in which a person will activate his emotions. At work, you should avoid nervous reports and planning meetings, and communication with unpleasant people.
Stabilizes the state of the emotional sphere with massage, dancing, spa treatments, swimming, and emotionally pleasant types of physical activity. Psychotherapists conduct art therapy classes. The patient can have an aromatherapy session without leaving home. To do this, use essential oils of mint, Siberian pine, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
Drug support consists of taking sedatives, antidepressants, and medications that have a nootropic effect. Doctors prescribe vitamin and mineral complexes based on plant components: MetaboLight, AbiVit, ImmuniTon.
Self-medication can lead to aggravation of the situation. Therefore, at the first signs of emotional lability, call the contact center. You will be scheduled for an appointment with a neurologist at a time convenient for you.
Diagnosis F 06.7 Mild cognitive impairment
A disorder characterized by decreased memory, difficulty learning, and decreased ability to concentrate on a task for long periods of time. There is often a pronounced feeling of mental fatigue when trying to solve a mental problem; learning new things seems subjectively difficult, even when objectively it is successful. None of these symptoms are severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of dementia (F00-F03) or delirium (F05.-). This diagnosis should be made only in connection with a specified physical disorder and should not be based solely on the presence of any mental or behavioral disorders classified in categories F10-F99. The disorder may precede, accompany, or follow a wide range of infectious and somatic diseases (both cerebral and systemic), but there does not necessarily need to be direct evidence of brain involvement. This disorder can be differentiated from post-encephalitic syndrome (F07.1) and post-concussion syndrome (F07.2) by its different etiology, more limited range of mostly mild symptoms and usually short duration.
