Delirium diagnostic criteria

Delirium Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Delirium from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case #1
Delirium On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Delirium All Images X-rays Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Delirium
CDC on Delirium
Delirium in the news
Blogs on Delirium
Directions to Hospitals Treating Delirium
Risk calculators and risk factors for Delirium

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Zaghw, M.D. [2]

Diagnostic Criteria

Scoring Systems for the Diagnosis of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients

• Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU)

The test should be done on a sufficiently awake patient (RASS score, -3 or more)

The criteria of scoring scale:

• An acute change from mental status at base line or fluctuating mental status during the past 24 hr(must be true to be positive)
• More than 2 errors on a 10­point test of atten tion to voice or pictures (must be true to be positive)

The interpretation of scoring system:

• If the RASS is not 0 and the above two criteria are positive, the patient is delirious
• If the RASS is 0 and the above two criteria are positive, test for disorganized thinking using 4 yes/no questions and a 2­step command; >1 error means the patient is delirious; ≤1 error excludes delirium

• Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC)