Diagnosis of DELIRIUM F05

Presenting Complaints

• Families may request help because of confusion or agitation.
• Delirium may occur in patients hospitalized for medical conditions.
  

Diagnostic Features

• Confusion - Often appears confused, struggles to understand surroundings.
• Clouded thinking or awareness.
• Often accompanied by:
  • Poor Memory
  • Agitation
  • Emotional upset
  • Loss of orientation
  • Wandering attention
  • Hearing voices
  • Withdrawal from others
  • Visions or illusions
  • Suspiciousness
  • Disturbed sleep(reversal of sleep pattern)
• Symptoms often develop rapidly and may change from hour to hour.
• May occur in patients with previously normal mental function or in those with dementia. Milder stresses (medication, mild infections) may cause delirium in older or demented patients.
  

Differential Diagnosis

• Attempt to identify and correct any physical causes of confusion. Common causes include:
  • Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal
  • Drug intoxication or withdrawal (including prescribed drugs)
  • Severe infections · Metabolic changes (e.g. liver disease, dehydration)
• If symptoms are persistent, delusions and disordered thinking predominates. See Acute Psychotic Disorders F23.

Edited by Gavin Andrews MD, UNSW, Jan 03
© 2003 CRUfAD