Psychiatry Boot Camp 2.4 Delirium
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Dec 3, 2023 Dr. Mark Oldham, an expert in psychiatry, discusses delirium, its dangerousness, prevention strategies, and ties it to validated assessment tools and treatment approaches. The episode explores the nature of delirium, its classification, and the importance of inattention in diagnosis. Tools and methods for screening and assessing delirium are highlighted, as well as optimizing brain function and preventing delirium. The challenges of navigating hospitals and advocating for patients with delirium are discussed. The chapter also delves into the pharmacological management of delirium and clarifies the relationship between delirium and encephalopathy. The significance of humor and lightheartedness in psychiatry is explored.
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Encephalopathy vs. Delirium
- Encephalopathy is a broad brain process, while delirium is a specific clinical presentation within that spectrum.
- Encephalopathy can range from sub-syndromal delirium to coma.
Assessing Delirium
- Focus on attention during a mental status exam when assessing for delirium.
- Use bedside tests like reverse digit span or days of the week backwards.
Importance of Delirium Diagnosis
- Diagnose delirium to identify its underlying medical cause.
- Delirium signals a serious medical issue affecting the brain.