Mental Health: Delirium

Delirium is defined as a transient, usually reversible, cause of cerebral dysfunction. The clinical hallmarks are decreased attention span and a waxing and waning type of confusion. Delirium is one of the most frequently overlooked diagnoses in general hospital settings. It is almost always due to physical pathology, but often presents with psychiatric symptoms. Every doctor, whatever their specialty, should know how to recognise and manage this common syndrome