Delirium in a person with developmental disability

Delirium is an acute deterioration of mental state characterised by fluctuating symptoms of impaired attention, cognition and consciousness, typically developing over hours to days. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of delirium is essential—if this cannot be done in the community, refer people with developmental disability for hospital assessment and management.

Any change in the functional status, self-care ability or behaviour of a person with developmental disability may indicate underlying serious disease and should be investigated thoroughly. Symptoms of serious disease can be masked by delirium. Presentation and diagnosis can be further complicated by the person’s underlying communication and cognitive impairments.

A thorough medication review and management of polypharmacy are essential.

Delirium is discussed in detail in the Psychotropic guidelines.

See also Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Cognitive Impairment Resources.