Factor analysis supports the evidence of existing hyperactive and hypoactive subtypes of delirium

Citation
V. Camus et al., Factor analysis supports the evidence of existing hyperactive and hypoactive subtypes of delirium, INT J GER P, 15(4), 2000, pp. 313-316
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry,"Clinical Psycology & Psychiatry
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
ISSN journal
08856230 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
313 - 316
Database
ISI
SICI code
0885-6230(200004)15:4<313:FASTEO>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
Objective. The aim of this study was to examine whether delirium has specif ic clinical subtypes. Method One hundred and eighty-three elderly subjects meeting DSM-IIIR crite ria for delirium were evaluated using a 19-item symptom check-list assessin g different dimensions of delirium symptomatology. Exploratory factor analy sis was conducted in order to examine which symptoms clustered. Results. Factor analysis confirmed the existence of two different clusters of symptoms: first, symptoms of hyperalert/hyperactive features (agitation, hyper-reactivity, aggressiveness, hallucinations, delusions); and second, symptoms of hypoalert/hypoactive features (decreased reactivity,motor and s peech retardation, facial inexpressiveness). Conclusion. This preliminary study seems to support the evidence of hypoact ive and hyperactive subtypes of delirium, even though their aetiology and p rognostic values need to be further examined. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.