Decompensated

 

Deterioration of medical condition

"Decompensated" is a term used in medicine to describe a deterioration or worsening of a medical condition or disease. It is often used to describe a situation where a person's body or organ systems are no longer able to adequately compensate for the underlying problem, leading to a decline in their overall health status.

For example, in the context of heart failure, decompensated heart failure refers to a state where the heart's pumping ability has significantly declined, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid retention, and fatigue. Similarly, decompensated liver cirrhosis refers to a stage where the liver's function is severely impaired, resulting in symptoms like jaundice, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), and confusion.

The term "decompensated" can also be used in relation to mental health. In psychiatry, it refers to a state where a person's coping mechanisms or strategies are no longer effective in managing their mental illness, resulting in a worsening of symptoms and impaired functioning.

Overall, "decompensated" is a clinical term that indicates a significant decline or breakdown in the body's ability to maintain normal physiological functioning, whether it's related to a physical or mental health condition. It often requires prompt medical attention and intervention to stabilize the person's health and prevent further complications.