Overview
Delirium is a sudden onset of confusion and decline in cognitive function as a result of brain disturbances. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) lays out criteria to identify a state of delirium:
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Disturbance in attention and awareness
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Acute onsent and fluctuating course
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Cognitive deficits such as problems with memory, orientation, language or perception
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Direct physiological cause, including substance use or withdrawal
Some studies suggest that up to 60% of cases of delirium go unrecognized, so several screening instruments have been developed to help flag it:
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Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
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4 A’s Test
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CAM-ICU/ICDSC