What is the difference between a delusion and delirium?

Answer 1

A delusion is usually described as a false belief, impression, something that is not real but may be continuous, on going or always there; where as, delirium is decribed as a disordered state of mind involving incoherent speech, hallucinations, great excitement for a period of time.

Answer 2

Differences Between Delirium and Dementia* Feature Delirium Dementia Onset Sudden, with a definite beginning point Slow and gradal, with an uncertain beginning point Duration Days to weeks, although it may be longer Usually permanent Cause Almost always another condition (eg, infection, dehydration, use or withdrawal of certain drugs) Usually a chronic brain disorder (eg, Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia) Course Usually reversible Slowly progressive Effect at night Almost always worse Often worse Attention Greatly impaired Unimpaired until dementia has become severe Level of consciousness Variably impaired Unimpaired until dementia has become severe Orientation to time and place Varies Impaired Use of language Slow, often incoherent, and inappropriate Sometimes difficulty finding the right word Memory Varies Lost, especially for recent events Need for medical attention Immediate Required but less urgently

Answer 3

A delusion is a strongly held false belief, such as a belief that someone is trying to hurt you or that you are actually a famous celebrity. Delirium is a state of consciousness that is characterized by incoherence, disorientation, and confusion.