Confusional Psychosis: A Review
Introduction
Confusional psychosis is a rare but serious mental disorder characterized by confusion, disorientation, and disturbances of thinking, perception, and behavior. It is a form of psychosis with an unclear etiology, though it has been linked to a variety of environmental, biochemical, and genetic factors. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of confusional psychosis.
Epidemiology
Confusional psychosis is a rare disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 0.1% in the general population. It is most commonly seen in individuals aged 70 years or older, though it can occur at any age. It is more common in males than in females, and is more frequently observed among individuals with a history of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of confusional psychosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, including an assessment of the patient’s medical history, mental status examination, and laboratory tests. The diagnosis is typically made in the context of an acute psychotic episode, and is confirmed by ruling out other possible causes of confusion, such as delirium, dementia, or substance abuse.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of confusional psychosis is confusion, which is usually accompanied by disorientation, impaired memory, and disturbances of thinking, perception, and behavior. Other common symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal ideation, and impaired judgment.
Treatment
The treatment of confusional psychosis is focused on restoring the patient’s level of functioning and reducing symptoms. Treatment typically involves a combination of pharmacological and psychological interventions, including antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and supportive care.
Conclusion
Confusional psychosis is a rare but serious mental disorder characterized by confusion, disorientation, and disturbances of thinking, perception, and behavior. While the etiology of the disorder is unclear, it has been linked to a variety of environmental, biochemical, and genetic factors. The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, and the treatment typically involves a combination of pharmacological and psychological interventions.
References
Chen, K. W., & Chen, Y. J. (2015). Confusional psychosis: A review. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 69(8), 521-527.
Kramer, M. S., & DelBello, M. P. (2008). Confusional states: Diagnosis and treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 10(4), 261-270.
Stahl, S. M. (2013). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (4th ed.). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.