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Decompensation |
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decompensation [dē‚käm·pən′sā·shən]
(psychology) The deterioration of existing defense mechanisms, leading to an exacerbation of pathologic behavior. Decompensation disturbance of the activity of an organ, a system of organs, or the entire organism, as a result of exhaustion or disruption of its adaptive mechanisms. Harmful influences that cause significant changes in the organism disturb the constant equilibrium between the organism and the external environment. After some time, the organism adapts itself to the new conditions of existence (for example, the heart muscle hypertrophies when there are heart defects) and equilibrium is restored—that is, compensation occurs. When there is compensation, the organ (or system) works under an increased load, as a result of which it succumbs more readily to harmful influences. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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