What :

• Disturbance in mental state
• Person is confused, agitated and unable to think clearly.
• Start is usually rapid that is within hours or a few day
• Traced to one or more contributing factors like a severe or chronic illness; changes in metabolic balance like low sodium; infection, medication, surgery, alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.

Symptoms :

• Similar to dementia
• fluctuate throughout the day
• Periods of no symptoms as well
• Some of the major signs and symptoms include:
  • Inability to stay focused on single topic or to switch topics
  • Getting stuck on an idea rather than responding
  • Being easily distracted by unimportant things

Causes :

• Certain medications or drug toxicity
• Alcohol or drug intoxication
• Medical condition, like stroke, heart attack, lung or liver disease,
• Metabolic imbalances, low sodium or low calcium
• Malnutrition or dehydration

What is in news : According to a study, published in the journal BMJ Open, out of 150 patients hospitalised for Covid in the United States in the initial phase of the pandemic, 73 per cent had delirium.