Drug-induced cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive impairment is a common symptom in many psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. However, deficits in cognition and behavior may be a marker for an independent disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Illness, Fourth Edition (DSM-1V) abolished the "organic brain disorders" category, replacing it with delirium, dementia, amnesia, and other cognitive disorders. These disorders may result from an individual or combination of medical conditions, intoxication, or withdrawal from legal and illicit medications, and medications themselves. Certain sub-groups of patients, especially the elderly are at risk for drug-induced cognitive impairment. Possessing the knowledge to recognize drug-induced delirium and dementia is essential to prevent increases in morbidity and mortality from an often unrecognized cause.