A group of medical students is learning the criteria used to diagnose cognitive disorders. The professor is discussing evidence of disturbances of consciousness along with changes in cognition such as memory deficits that occur rapidly. What type of disorder is being discussed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described - disturbances of consciousness and rapid onset of cognitive deficits - are characteristic of delirium, a cognitive disorder that is often caused by a medical or substance-related condition. Dementia typically has a more gradual onset and may not involve disturbances of consciousness. Amnestic disorder is characterized primarily by memory deficits, but not necessarily disturbances of consciousness. Depersonalization is not a cognitive disorder, but a symptom of certain psychiatric conditions.

A Group of Medical Students Is Learning the Criteria Used