Disturbed Behaviour

Question 1

List some risk factors for and precipitants of delirium

Answer 1

• Risk factors
  
  • Age
  • Cognitive disease
  • Polypharmacy
• Precipitants
  
  • Medications
  • Severe illness
  • Surgery
  • Withdrawal
  • Environmental change

Question 2

What might the charcteristics of a delirium presentation be?

Answer 2

• Acute with fluctuating course
• Decrease in conscious state
• Higher pre-morbid baseline
• Disorganised thinking
• Easily distracted/inattention
• Hyperactive or hypoactive (or mixed) picture possible

Question 3

What are the general characteristics of a dementia presentation?

Answer 3

• Slowly declining memory
• Forgetfulness and executive dysfunction
• Language changes (circumlocution)
• Self-care diminishing
• Mood changes
  
  • Agitation
  • Psychosis
  • Mood disorders
  • Sexual disinhibition
  • Eating problems