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Delirium (acute confusional state)
Delirium (acute confusional state) is a sudden change in a person's mental status, leading to confusion and unusual behavior.
Symptoms of delirium usually develop over the course of several hours to a few days. Symptoms may fluctuate and often include:
- Confusion and disorientation, including hallucinations, delusions, or illusions.
- Disorganized thinking.
- Short attention span.
- Problems with the sleep-wake cycle.
- Periods of hyperactivity alternating with extreme sleepiness.
Delirium may be caused by withdrawal from alcohol or drugs or medications. The development or worsening of an infection or other health problem can also lead to delirium. People with dementia, such as occurs with Alzheimer's disease, are more prone to delirium.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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