Intensive care unit delirium

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and the International classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, both provide detailed descriptions of delirium. These categorization systems are well recognized in the field of psychiatry. Delirium is characterized by an impairment of awareness and attention, alterations in cognitive function or perceptual abnormalities like hallucinations, a sudden onset, and the presence of an underlying medical reason. Delirium, sometimes known as 'acute confusional condition', 'metabolic or toxic encephalopathy', or 'acute brain failure'. An abrupt alteration in consciousness and attention occurs rapidly and is accompanied by other cognitive impairments, like memory loss, confusion, or perceptual problems.