The possibility of suicidal thinking or assaultive thoughts or plans should also be considered and investigated. Mental status may fluctuate throughout the day, yet during a lucid interval the patient may not remember the periods of confusion. Thus, corroborating information should be obtained from other sources, such as family members or nursing staff. Delirious patients are often disoriented to place or time, though very rarely to person, and commonly have defects of short-term memory, evidenced by reduced ability to recall new information over a period of several minutes. Treatment Prompt treatment of the underlying medical condition is essential, along with correction of any remediable predisposing factors and elimination of all drugs that might cause delirium.
Symptoms usually remit following resolution of the underlying cause.
Supportive measures designed to calm, reassure, and protect the patient are also important. Alterations in activity schedules and lighting can help restore a normal sleep cycle. The main room lights should be dimmed at night, but a night-light should be left on so the patient can reorient if he or she awakes in darkness. Supportive therapy should aim to calm anxiety or agitation and ensure protection from harm for the patient and others. The patient may be at risk because of suicidal ideation, confusion, or psychosis, so it is helpful for the physician to exhibit a calm, reassuring manner.