Psych conditions Flashcards
What symptoms will someone with delirium present with classically?
Inattention
Disorganised thinking
Altered levels of consciousness
Cognitive decline
Who is most likely to get delirium?
Older people (over 65)
Patients who are hospitalised and acutely unwell
Patients with dementia
Hip fracture
What investigations are done when you suspect someone has delirium?
Usually it is diagnosed clinically
How is delirium managed?
Reassure the patient and put them at ease and continue to monitor them
Make sure they have their glasses and hearing aids
If they need to be calmed down further use a antipsychotic or haloperidol (lowest dose to start)
What criteria is used to diagnose delirium?
DSM-5
What 4 catagories need to be met for someone to be diagnosed with delirium?
1) Has arisen because of a medical reason eg infection, medication overdose
2) Arose over a short period of time eg hours/days
3) Disturbance to attention
4) Change in cognition
What are the 3 types of delirium?
Hypoactive
Hyperactive
Mixed
What is the main way delirium is differentiated from dementia?
It arises over a short period of time whereas dementia is more of a slow decline in memory
