Review of diagnosis and update in the management of Delirium

Delirium is a common and severe neuropsychiatric disorder, with important implications because of its increased mortality, long hospitalizations, and risk of long-term cognitive impairment. Being one of the first mental disorders to be recognized in the medical literature, a variety of terms have been applied to the same set of symptoms throughout history. Even today, there is a lack of consensus naming this common disorder in clinical practice where professionals from multiple areas should intervene, which is reflected in the international classifications of mental illness. The objective of the present review is to observe the diagnostic evolution and the current difficulties in its conceptualization as well as to serve as practical guide in the management of both hospitalized patients and palliative care units.