Delirium at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital: reason for referral and subtypes

The important neuropsychiatric disorder delirium is the most single important disorder in onsultation liaison psychiatry. There is a dearth of study in delirium. The purpose of this study was to find out the demographic profile, reason for referral, and subtypes of delirium. Thirty two consecutive cases of delirium diagnosed by psychiatrist in consultation liaison psychiatry were enrolled in the study. This is a descriptive study and diagnoses were made based upon 'The International Classification of Disease (ICD-10)'. The majority of cases were from age 70 and above, male sex being more common and most commononest reason for referral being disturbed behavior. The hyperactive subtype of delirium was the frequent finding. Medicine and ICU followed by surgery and post operative ward were the most referring departments.