Delirium

Question 1

What is delirium

Answer 1

Syndrome of disturbance of consciousness

• hypoactive
• hyperactive
• mixed

Accompanied by a change in cognition not accounted for by pre-existing dementia

Acute onset, and fluctuates

Question 2

What are other features of delirium

Answer 2

Disturbance of sleep-wake cycle

Disturbed psychomotor behaviour (restless, picking, wandering, or down)

Emotional disturbance (fear, depression, anger, lability)

Delusions

Lack of insight

Question 3

Possible causes of delirium

Answer 3

Intercurrent illness (infection, dehydration, trauma. shock)

Surgery

Hypoxia (post operative)

Pain

Constipation

Urinary retention

Drug induced (anticholinergics, opiates)

Alcohol withdrawal

Question 4

Drug-induced delirium

Answer 4

Benzodiazepines 
Opiates 
codeine
steroids
antihypertensives 
tricyclic antidepressants 
anticonvulsants