Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someones surroundings. It is a mental state in which a person is confused, disoriented, and not able to think or remember clearly. Delirium is a fast-developing type of confusion that affects a persons ability to focus their attention and awareness. It happens when theres widespread disruption in brain activity, usually because of a combination of factors. Delirium is common, showing up in about 80% of patients in the intensive care unit and up to one-third of all patients staying in the hospital.

Symptoms of delirium include inattention, lethargy, confusion, problems with awareness, hallucinations, and mood changes. Delirium can often be traced to one or more factors, such as a severe or long illness, an imbalance in the body, certain medicines, infection, surgery, or alcohol or drug use or withdrawal. Delirium is more common in adults over 65, especially those with dementia.

Delirium is a complex condition that doesn’t happen for a single reason. Instead, delirium occurs when the “balancing act” between a persons functional capacity, their functional limitations, and other stressors gets pushed too far. Delirium is a syndrome, not a disease, and it affects people of all ages.

Delirium can be serious and can cause long-term or permanent problems, especially with delays in treatment. However, it’s also often preventable. Delirium is treated first by addressing the medical problem(s) that have caused it.