Do I Have A Delirium?

Do you experience a disturbance in attention (i.e., reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain and shift attention) and awareness (reduced orientation to the environment)?

Does the disturbance develop over a short period of time (usually hours to a few days), represent a change from baseline attention and awareness and tend to fluctuate in severity during the course of a day?

Do you experience an additional disturbance in cognition (e.g., memory deficit, disorientation, language, visuospatial ability, or perception)?

Are the disturbances in attention and cognition not better explained by another neurocognitive disorder and do not occur in the context of a severely reduced level of arousal, such as coma?

Is there evidence from history, physical examination or laboratory findings that the disturbance is a direct physiological consequence of another medical condition, substance intoxication or withdrawal (i.e., due to drug abuse or to medication) or exposure to a toxin or is due to multiple etiologies?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a delirium.

While it is unlikely that you have a delirium, you are displaying some signs related to it. Delirium is a mental problem that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of surroundings. Symptoms may fluctuate throughout a day and are likely to be worse during the night. If you want to know more about this mental issue of if someone close to you shows any symptoms of a delirium, it may be essential to see a doctor.

While it is unlikely that you have a delirium, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be important to see your doctor. Your doctor may start with a mental status assessment to test your awareness, perception, memory and thinking patterns. Your doctor may also conduct physical and neurological exams to rule out other underlying health problems and to determine if a stroke of another neurological problem is the cause of the delirium. If necessary, your doctor may order blood, urine or brain tests.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have a delirium. Seeking medical attention is very important in your case. Your doctor may want to conduct several tests to understand the cause of your symptoms. If your doctor concludes that you meet the diagnostic criteria for a delirium, your doctor may give you a treatment plan. The first phase of treatment Is focused on addressing the underlying causes, which can be for example a medication, an infection or metabolic imbalances. It is important to create a calm environment for someone who is receiving treatment for a delirium to heal the body and the brain.