Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie
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Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr · Apr 1995
Review[Delirium in the elderly and DSM IV: is there clarity about confusion?].
On the occasion of the recent presentation of DSM IV, this article offers survey of current insights concerning delirium, an important psychogeriatric disorder. Compared with DSM III and IIIR, diagnostic criteria in DSM IV have been enlarged and simplified. This has been done in order to improve clinical diagnosis, especially of mild manifestations of delirium. ⋯ This will facilitate future research into the etiological contribution of non-organic factors. Scientific research over the past decades strongly suggests that delirium in the elderly is far from a benign transient disorder. Besides adequate diagnosis and treatment, preventive measures are therefore of equal relevance.