[Organic personality disorder. Conceptual and diagnostic aspects].

INTRODUCTION

Probably the commonest neuropsychiatric sequela in persons who have had some type of cerebral lesion (of whatever origin) are the complaints of changes in the personality of the patient prior to the lesion which cause problems with the family, socially and at work. These problems have been grouped together under the same diagnosis in current psychiatric nosology called 'organic personality disorder'.

DEVELOPMENT: In this article we wish to point out the disadvantages due to this diagnosis which have a double origin. Firstly, it is based on the concept of personality, which has been shown to be inconsistent throughout the history of science. Secondly, because this group contains heterogeneous phenomena and conducts which are probably based on different neurobiological processes.

CONCLUSION

The development of strategies of investigation, and of effective therapeutic techniques for these patients make it necessary to separate the different phenomena which, in the author's opinion, are erroneously included in this nosological group.