The Bidirectional Link Between Medical and Behavioural Problems

Not all animals, even being of the same species, behave the same way in the same situation. These differences among individuals are due to many factors that affect behaviour. Among these, the most important ones are genetic, handling of the mother during gestation1.2, the experiences of the animal during its different stages of development3, the experiences during their adulthood and finally the proper functioning of different organs and systems. Therefore, any medical condition that disrupts the functioning of these organs and systems may change the behaviour.

However, this relationship between medical disorders and behavioural problems is not unidirectional. Some behaviour problems can trigger health problems or aggravate pre-existing problems.

The talk has two basic objectives. The first will be to highlight the relationship between health problems and behaviour. Major medical problems that can alter behaviour and vice versa will be addressed. The second objective is to show the diagnostic protocol for any behaviour problem having that relationship in mind.

The goal is a thorough review of all medical problems that may change the behaviour or vice versa. Therefore we will focus on those issues that are especially important due to their frequency, or difficult diagnosis (to be distinguished as a behavioural or medical problem). […]