Delirium is a sudden confusion of the mind that is very common in the ICU. The patient may see or hear things that are not there, have frightening dreams, fail to recognize family, become restless, or unusually quiet and withdrawn.
It is caused by the illness, the medicines, and disturbed sleep, not by mental illness, and it is not the person's true self. In most patients it improves as the body recovers. Familiar voices, spectacles and hearing aids, photos from home, and gentle reminders of the day and place all help the mind find its way back.
Key points
- Delirium is common in the ICU and usually temporary
- It is caused by the illness and treatment, not mental illness
- The patient may say or do things they would never normally do
- Familiar voices, photos, spectacles, and hearing aids all help
Good to know
It is the illness speaking, not your loved one. Please don't take hurtful words to heart.
