title: Delirium in children and adolescents.
abstract: Rarely reported in pediatric patients, the characteristic symptoms and course of delirium are well known in adults. This retrospective study was undertaken to describe the clinical presentation, symptoms, and outcome of delirium in children and adolescents. Eighty-four patients age 6 months to 18 years were identified with delirium, from 1,027 consecutive psychiatric consultations during a 4-year period. Mortality was high (20%), and length of stay was prolonged. Symptoms of psychosis and disorientation were less characteristic, but overall the presentation and course of delirium were similar to adults, and the current Diagnostic and Standard Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria were found applicable in the pediatric population.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 90027, USA. sbturkel@hsc.usc.edu
authors: Susan Beckwitt
authors: SB
authors: Turkel
authors: C Jane
authors: CJ
authors: Tavaré
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003693:Delirium / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011570:Psychiatry; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors