Externally Peer Reviewed by Mosby Overview Prevalence. Diagnosis by DSM-IV Criteria Disturbance of consciousness with reduced ability to focus, shift, or sustain attention.
Symptoms develop over a short period of time and tend to fluctuate during the day.
Common Causes of Delirium Organ failure. Hypothyroidism, hypercorticism, hypopituitarism, and hyperparathyroidism. Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, pyelonephritis. Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances. Urinary retention or fecal impaction.