Now in a completely rewritten version, this definitive work covers all aspects of delirium, a frequent complication of physical illness, especially in the elderly. Unique in its range of coverage, the book traces the history of delirium from the 5th century B.C. to the present, and offers detailed discussions of its clinical features, diagnosis, pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment. This new edition fully reflects the substantial progress in understanding the disorder made over the last decade. Delirium will be very useful to geriatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians as it offers detailed practical guidance on diagnosis and management of the disorder. The only English-language monograph on this subject, it contains over 2,300 references.

Zbigniew J. Lipowski's profile page

Zbigniew J. Lipowski, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

"This book is highly readable and extremely useful . . . it should be on the shelf of every general hospital psychiatrist." --The American Journal of Psychiatry

"An extraordinarily comprehensive review of almost any article or book published in the last 2000 years with any bearing on the subject of delirium. . . .An usually rich reference work. . . .Dr. Lipowski has done the field a tremendous service by pulling all of this material together in one reference work. . . .One is left with a clear message about the importance of the syndrome and the need for more research." --General Hospital Psychiatry

"In addition to being comprehensive, this monograph is well organized and lucid. The discussions, such as that of pathophysiology, follow a logical and easily understood sequence . . . . Much in the chapters on the clincal aspects of delirium is clearly based on [the author's] extensive personal experience . . . . Sections on diagnosis, and treatment [are] particularly useful and illuminating . . . . Psychiatrists, neurologists, and primary care physicians will find sections of this book helpful in their effort to understand and treat this common syndrome" --The New England Journal of Medicine

"A monument to its author's industry and perspicacity. It will be of particular value as a reference work and source book and as such can be recommended to all who treat delirious patients." --British Journal of Psychiatry

"A book of astonishing detail. . . .Will charm many academic psychiatrists and may lead consultation-liaison psychiatrists to sharpen their measuring tools." --Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

From reviews of the first edition: "This is an excellent book that deserves a wide audience." --American Journal of Psychiatry

"The strengths of this book are its organization, clarity, and authoritativeness . . . . [The author] is adept at pointing out the limitations of our knowledge--in particular, our poor understanding of the mechanisms of delirium, despite centuries of clinical observation . . . . Hospital libraries should certainly keep a copy easily accessible to house staff . . . . [Recommended] to internists, geriatricians, consultation-liason psychiatrists, and other clinicians likely to see cases of delirium." --JAMA

"This is an excellent book in which the author has pointedly indicated a major and neglected area in medicine and psychology. Presentation is well organized and treatment of the literature is thorough."--Psychological Reports

"This well-referenced book contains many excellent discussions and reviews . . . . This is a useful reference book for any neurologist who is consulted about patients with delirium . . . . For those who already have the 1980 edition, this book is a good update. For medical students, residents, and practicing neurologists not familiar with the original work, this is a well-written, well-reasoned, and well-referenced book, and a worthwhile addition to any clinical library." --Neurology

"This is an excellent treatment of the scientific and clinical aspects of delirium. All serious scholars of the brain and behavior will want to own and read this book. It should also become a standard reference for medical books and students." --The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease