Amentia - Amentia (English spelling)

The term has a broad meaning; in the UK it means intellectual disability, but generally it refers to a disorder of consciousness. It is a type of alteration of consciousness in which attention is not focused at the center of the conscious field, but is directed in other directions. There is mild clouding of consciousness, and thoughts become disorganized and scattered (disorganized thinking). In addition, the patient tries to understand the situation around them, but is confused and unable to do so. It is often seen during the recovery period from severe clouding of consciousness or delirium, and is often seen in symptomatic psychosis, especially postpartum psychosis.

[Toshihiko Nagata]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

語義概念が広く、イギリスでは知的障害を意味するが、一般には意識障害をさす。意識の内部で注意が意識野の中心に集中せず、他の方向に向く意識変容の一種である。軽い意識混濁があり、思考がまとまらず散乱（思考散乱）する。また、周囲の状況を理解しようとするが、わからず困惑する。重篤な意識混濁やせん妄(もう)からの回復期にみられることが多く、症状精神病、とくに産褥(さんじょく)精神病にしばしばみられる。

［永田俊彦］

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