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Delirium

Delirium is not a mental illness. It is a medical condition that causes a temporary problem with brain function. Another way to describe delirium is sudden, acute confusion. It causes problems with attention, thinking, memory, and emotion.

Older adult woman looking at a relative with a confused, almost angry look on her face.
  • Delirium can change over the course of hours or days
  • Delirium is a serious issue. It will not get better on its own and requires immediate medical attention
  • Delirium comes on quickly (over a period of hours or days)
  • Delirium is temporary and resolves when the underlying cause is addressed
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