الفهرس 
Delirium; Definition, PathophysiologyOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Delirium is defined by American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as a disturbance of consciousness with the cornerstone component of inattention being the pivotal feature of the diagnosis. This alarmingly form of brain dysfunction often develops acutely (hours to days) in critically ill patients & fluctuates over time. Many different terms have been used to describe this spectrum of cognitive impairment in critically ill patients, including ICU psychosis, ICU syndrome, acute confusional state, septic encephalopathy, acute brain angina, and acute brain failure. The current consensus of many authorities is to use the unifying term delirium and subcategorize according to the level of alertness (hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed).
Aims: The aim of this essay is to discuss acute cognitive dysfunction in critically ill patients as regards detection, prevention and proper management.
Summary The main four domains for diagnosing delirium as listed by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) are; disturbance of consciousness, change in cognition, development over a short period, and fluctuation.
Conclusion: Pharmacologic therapy for delirium in the ICU may be a helpful adjunct to the needed multicomponent approach to patient care. Pharmacologic strategies primarily involve the use of dopamine antagonists – typical antipsychotic as haloperidol and atypical antipsychotics as olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazol, and ziprasidone– or Alpha-2 agonists with a sedative effect as dexmedetomidine and clonidine.