Question

What is delirium? What causes it?

   What is delirium? What causes it?

Adult Development and Aging

Adult Development and Aging

John C. Cavanaugh 3rd Edition

Chapter 9, Problem 17

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Emily Himsel

06/15/2021

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It is often characterized by disturbances in attention, awareness, thinking, memory, perception, and behavior. There can be various causes of delirium, including: Show more…

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What is delirium? What causes it?

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Key Concepts

Delirium

Delirium is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by sudden onset of confusion, disturbances in attention, perception, and cognitive functioning. It involves fluctuating levels of consciousness and can affect awareness and the ability to focus, often resulting in disorganized thinking and changes in behavior. This condition is typically transient and indicates an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed promptly.

Etiology

The causes of delirium are multifactorial and include a variety of medical, physiological, and environmental triggers. Common contributors are infections, metabolic imbalances, medication effects, substance intoxication or withdrawal, physical injuries, and systemic illnesses. The interplay of these factors, often in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or critically ill, leads to the onset of delirium, making it essential to identify and manage these underlying conditions to resolve the symptoms.

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