Delirium is a state of mental confusion that starts suddenly and is caused by a physical condition of some sort. You don’t know where you are, what time it is, or what’s happening to you. It is also called an 'acute confusional state'.

What is it like to have delirium?

You may:

• not notice what is going on around you
• be unsure about where you are or what you are doing there
• be unable to follow a conversation or to speak clearly
• be very agitated or restless, unable to sit still and wander around
• be very slow or sleepy
• sleep during the day, but wake up at night
• have moods that change quickly – you can feel frightened, anxious, depressed or irritable
• have vivid dreams – these can be frightening and may carry on when you wake up
• worry that other people are trying to harm you
• hear noises or voices when there is nothing or no one to cause them.
• see people or things that aren’t there.

‍