Delirium, a 'confusing' condition in general hospitals: The experience of a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Unit in Greece

Abstract

Background/aims: A plethora of studies showed that delirium is common in hospitalized populations. We aimed to examine the characteristics of delirium patients referred to our Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Unit (CLPU). Methods: Our CLPU database was used to obtain data of all referred patients admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with delirium. All referred nondelirious patients served as controls. Results: During one year, 483 patients were referred to the CLPU. Ninety-three (19.3%) were diagnosed with delirium. Delirious patients were older than nondelirious patients (P < 0.001), with 76.3% aged over 70 years. The majority of the referrals came from surgical specialties. Common etiological factors were fluid and electrolyte imbalance (29%), fractures (28%) and infections (24%), but laboratory tests for the investigation of the etiology prior to the consultation had been performed in only 12 patients (12.9%). The syndrome resulted in prolonged hospitalization and greater use of CLPU services. Conclusions: Referrals for delirium are frequent in CLPUs in Greece. Although delirium is common, it remains a 'confusing' condition for health practitioners. The under-diagnosis of delirium, the prolonged hospitalization and the time that the CLPU dedicated to these patients underlines the role of the CLPU psychiatrists in the management of the syndrome. © 2009 Goulia et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.