Delirium historical perspective

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Pratik Bahekar, MBBS [2]; Vishal Khurana, M.B.B.S., M.D. [3]

Overview

Concepts of delirium have been evolving over centuries. Still, there are many things we do not know about delirium.

Historical Perspective

• [Disease name] was first discovered by [scientist name], a [nationality + occupation], in [year] during/following [event].
• In [year], [gene] mutations were first identified in the pathogenesis of [disease name].
• In [year], the first [discovery] was developed by [scientist] to treat/diagnose [disease name].

For the past 2,500 years, the concept of delirium has been evolving. In the 16th century, symptoms of delirium were getting recognized. In the 19th century delirium was recognized as disordered consciousness and confusion, both of which are terminologies of mental disorder.

Sims (1995, p.31) points out a "superb detailed and lengthy description" of delirium in The Stroller's Tale from Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers.