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{{ClinPsy}} |
{{ClinPsy}} |
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+ | {{Expert}} |
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{{SignSymptom infobox | |
{{SignSymptom infobox | |
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Name = Confusion [[NOS]] | |
Name = Confusion [[NOS]] | |
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ICD9 = | |
ICD9 = | |
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}} |
}} |
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− | '''Mental |
+ | '''Mental confusion''' or '''decreased alertness''' is the inability to think clearly and quickly. When confused, one has difficulty [[concentration]], paying [[attention]] and may feel [[dizziness|dizzy]] or [[depersonalized]]. Confusion interferes with ones [[ability to make decisions]] clearly and correctly. Many health problems cause confusion or decreased alertness. Decreased alertness may occur when a person is not fully awake, aware of, or able to respond normally to his or her external environment. Decreased alertness may also indicate that a chronic [[illness]] has worsened. |
== Causes == |
== Causes == |
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+ | * [[Sluggish cognitive tempo]] |
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− | |||
* [[Intoxication]] |
* [[Intoxication]] |
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* Low [[blood sugar]] |
* Low [[blood sugar]] |
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* Low level of [[oxygen]] |
* Low level of [[oxygen]] |
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* [[Medication]]s |
* [[Medication]]s |
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− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Psychosis]] |
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
* Lack of [[sleep]] |
* Lack of [[sleep]] |
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− | * [[ |
+ | * [[Illness]] |
+ | ** [[Dementia]] |
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+ | ** [[Infection]]s |
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⚫ | |||
+ | ** [[Seizure]] |
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+ | ** [[Chronic fatigue syndrome]] |
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+ | ** [[Heavy metal poisoning]] and in particular [[mercury poisoning]]<ref>{{cite journal |
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+ | | title= Mercury Poisoning and Its |
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+ | Potential Impact on Hormone |
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+ | Regulation and Aging: |
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+ | Preliminary Clinical Observations |
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+ | Using a New Therapeutic |
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+ | Approach |
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+ | | author = Frackelton JP, Christensen, RL |
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+ | | journal= Journal of Advancement in Medicine |
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+ | | volume= 11 (1) |
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+ | | pages= 9-25 |
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+ | | year= 1998 |
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+ | | doi= 10.1023/A:1023373303542 |
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+ | }}</ref> |
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+ | ** [[Hypothyroidism]] |
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+ | ** [[Depersonalization disorder]] |
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+ | ** [[Excessive daytime sleepiness]] |
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+ | |||
+ | |||
== Symptoms == |
== Symptoms == |
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Although it is not an actual cure, time, a walk in the park, or meditation can alleviate the symptoms of confusion. However, methods of curing more serious episodes of confusion must be determined by a doctor. |
Although it is not an actual cure, time, a walk in the park, or meditation can alleviate the symptoms of confusion. However, methods of curing more serious episodes of confusion must be determined by a doctor. |
||
+ | |||
− | == Sources == |
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+ | ==See also== |
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⚫ | |||
+ | * [[Frustration]] |
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+ | * [[Thought disturbances]] |
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+ | * [[Wandering behavior]] |
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+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==External links== |
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* [http://health.yahoo.com/ Yahoo! Health] |
* [http://health.yahoo.com/ Yahoo! Health] |
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* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health] |
* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health] |
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+ | [[Category:Cognitive psychology]] |
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− | {{med-stub}} |
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⚫ | |||
− | |||
⚫ | |||
[[Category:Neurology]] |
[[Category:Neurology]] |
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+ | [[Category:Psychiatry]] |
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+ | [[Category:Thought disturbances]] |
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+ | |||
{{enWP| Mental confusion}} |
{{enWP| Mental confusion}} |
Latest revision as of 07:49, 24 July 2010
Assessment |
Biopsychology |
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Social |
Methods |
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Clinical |
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World psychology |
Clinical: Approaches · Group therapy · Techniques · Types of problem · Areas of specialism · Taxonomies · Therapeutic issues · Modes of delivery · Model translation project · Personal experiences ·
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ICD-10 | R41.0 |
ICD-O: | {{{ICDO}}} |
ICD-9 | |
OMIM | {{{OMIM}}} |
MedlinePlus | {{{MedlinePlus}}} |
eMedicine | {{{eMedicineSubj}}}/{{{eMedicineTopic}}} |
DiseasesDB | {{{DiseasesDB}}} |
Mental confusion or decreased alertness is the inability to think clearly and quickly. When confused, one has difficulty concentration, paying attention and may feel dizzy or depersonalized. Confusion interferes with ones ability to make decisions clearly and correctly. Many health problems cause confusion or decreased alertness. Decreased alertness may occur when a person is not fully awake, aware of, or able to respond normally to his or her external environment. Decreased alertness may also indicate that a chronic illness has worsened.
Causes
- Sluggish cognitive tempo
- Intoxication
- Low blood sugar
- Head trauma or head injury
- Concussion
- Lack of fluid (dehydration)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Nutritional deficiency
- Fever
- Sudden drop in body temperature (hypothermia)
- Low level of oxygen
- Medications
- Psychosis
- Lack of sleep
- Illness
Symptoms
Confusion may range from mild to severe. Symptoms of confusion may include:
- Jumbled or disorganized thoughts
- Unusual, bizarre, or aggressive behavior
- Difficulty solving problems
- Difficulty performing tasks that used to be simple for the person
- Inability to identify whereabouts or recognize family members or familiar objects
- Illusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Cures
Although it is not an actual cure, time, a walk in the park, or meditation can alleviate the symptoms of confusion. However, methods of curing more serious episodes of confusion must be determined by a doctor.
See also
External links
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors). |
- ↑ Frackelton JP, Christensen, RL (1998). Mercury Poisoning and Its Potential Impact on Hormone Regulation and Aging: Preliminary Clinical Observations Using a New Therapeutic Approach. Journal of Advancement in Medicine 11 (1): 9-25.