Recognising Hypoactive Delirium

Hyperactive delirium is often easily picked up, but hypoactive delirium is often missed.

This leads to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

Some signs and symptoms of hypoactive delirium:

1. Lethargy: Is your patient more tired or sleeping more than usual?

2. Inattention: Is your patient having difficulty focusing and following conversations?

3. Altered level of consciousness

4. Slow Movements and Speech: Is your patient slower to respond?

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosing hypoactive delirium involves tools like the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and a thorough clinical evaluation.

We can then workup for delirium and proceed to treat the underlying cause.

Importance of Early Recognition

Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent complications like prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. Educating caregivers about hypoactive delirium can lead to better patient outcomes and improved care.