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Delirium: masquerades and misdiagnosis in elderly inpatients
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 1, 1990
Abstract:
Delirium is an organic mental disorder defined as transient, fluctuating global dysfunction of cognition. It is common in elderly medical inpatients, yet its varied presentation is often missed or misdiagnosed.
Insights
Delirium, a transient organic mental disorder affecting cognition, is common in elderly patients. Its varied presentation is frequently missed or misdiagnosed in medical settings.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Delirium is an organic mental disorder characterized by transient, fluctuating global cognitive dysfunction.
- It is a prevalent condition among elderly individuals admitted to medical wards.
Observation:
- The varied clinical presentation of delirium often leads to it being overlooked.
- Misdiagnosis of delirium is a significant challenge in geriatric medical inpatients.
Findings:
- Despite its prevalence, the subtle and fluctuating nature of delirium contributes to diagnostic challenges.
- Healthcare providers may miss or incorrectly attribute delirium symptoms to other conditions.
Implications:
- Improved recognition and diagnosis of delirium are crucial for timely intervention in elderly patients.
- Accurate diagnosis can prevent adverse outcomes associated with untreated delirium in this vulnerable population.