(medicine) A temporary mental state with a sudden onset, usually reversible, including symptoms of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations. Causes can include dehydration, drug intoxication, and severe infection.

plural of delirium

(pathology) A psychosis of chronic alcoholism, usually due to alcohol withdrawal, which can be fatal. Symptoms include sweating, tremors, terrifying hallucinations, insomnia, restlessness, disorientation and anxiety.

(medicine, psychology, psychiatry) A state of agitation or confusion, especially in elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, which begins daily at nightfall and which is alleviated by daylight.

Synonym of excited delirium

A syndrome of psychomotor agitation with delirium and sweating, typically diagnosed post-mortem after dying while being detained by police.