Clinical Presentation
Three main categories of delirium:
Hyperactive delirium - This has often been referred to in the past as ICU psychosis and is relatively easy to observe because the patient is clearly agitated, attempting to remove catheters, restless and emotional. In general, they are more difficult to care for and therefore attract our attention. This form of delirium is actually the least common of all three subtypes. It’s rare to find a patient who has pure hyperactive delirium.
Hypoactive delirium - This form of delirium is more common and often times carries a worse prognosis for the patient because it can go undetected for long periods of time. These patients are often thought to be quite co-operative, but show signs of withdrawal, flat affect, apathy, lethargy and decreased responsiveness.
Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there!
Mixed Delirium - This form of delirium is also very common. These patients present with characteristics of both hyper and hypoactive delirium or may have varying types of delirius episodes.
Hyperactive delirium - This has often been referred to in the past as ICU psychosis and is relatively easy to observe because the patient is clearly agitated, attempting to remove catheters, restless and emotional. In general, they are more difficult to care for and therefore attract our attention. This form of delirium is actually the least common of all three subtypes. It’s rare to find a patient who has pure hyperactive delirium.
Hypoactive delirium - This form of delirium is more common and often times carries a worse prognosis for the patient because it can go undetected for long periods of time. These patients are often thought to be quite co-operative, but show signs of withdrawal, flat affect, apathy, lethargy and decreased responsiveness.
Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there!
Mixed Delirium - This form of delirium is also very common. These patients present with characteristics of both hyper and hypoactive delirium or may have varying types of delirius episodes.