The condition hyper delirium is a condition that is characterized by (motor) agitation, restlessness, and sometimes aggressiveness.
Hypoactive delirium is characterized by motor retardation, apathy, slowing of speech, and patients can appear to be sedated.
The start of delirium is usually rapid within hours or a few days.
Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance (such as low sodium), medication, infection, surgery, or alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.
The condition of hyper delirium is more common in older adults and people who are hospitalized.
If you notice a sudden shift in mental status in a loved one for example, they're confused, disoriented and distracted contact a healthcare provider.
Prompt treatment can help most people recover fully from delirium.
Hypoactive delirium is associated with poorer outcomes compared with mixed or hyperactive delirium,1 10 15 including increased mortality and admission to longer term care.
This may be because it presents or is diagnosed later.
The main pharmacological treatment is the administration of haloperidol, although other antipsychotics or benzodiazepines are also sometimes used.
Nonâpharmacological management can be divided into three types: nursing interventions aimed at reorientation of the patient, psychosocial management, and physical restraint.