ICU Delirium Definition, Etiology, and Outcomes

Delirium is a form of acute brain dysfunction that manifests as fluctuating attention and impaired cognitive function. It can present with a variety of symptoms, including significant psychomotor agitation, depressed level of consciousness, or both. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5th edition (DSM-5) guidelines, delirium is an acute confusional state defined by acute disturbances in attention, awareness, or cognition developing over hours to days due to disease or sedation that is not better explained by an alternative diagnosis or a comatose state. Notably, delirium can and often does coexist with underlying neurological disease such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke and so is not precluded from developing in these patients.

[@AnnaKaize]

Exactly 4 years ago I was sent to hospital where I immediately crashed due to a septic shock caused by a simple pneumonia and was transferred to the ICU. I am what you call an ultra-rapid metabolizer but unfortunately, my doctors ignored this despite my family informing them. I had horrible hallucinations and because I wasn't properly sedated I was totally awake during my pulmonary oedema. Still, since I was intubated I couldn't make the staff aware. When I was discharged I received the diagnosis PTSD and I still remember every single hallucination, but I easily forget what I did or what somebody told me two days ago. The irony is I'm a trauma nurse but this experience is by far the worst thing that's ever happened to me. I wish the staff had paid more attention to what my family said, and it was even in my chart. I always considered myself to be a strong person, but that ordeal broke me and I'm still living with the consequences.