tive. A separate diagnosis of the comorbid severe alcohol use disorder is not given. 
Medication-induced delirium. The name of the medication-induced delirium begins
with the specific substance (e.g., dexamethasone) that is presumed to be causing the de-
lirium. The name of the disorder is followed by the course (i.e., acute,  persistent), followed
by the specifier indicating le vel of psychomotor activity (i.e., hyperactive, hypoactive,
mixed level of activity). For example, in th e case of acute hyperactive medication-induced
delirium occurring in a man using dexamethasone as prescribed, the diagnosis is 292.81
(F19.921) dexamethasone-induced delirium, acute, hyperactive.
Specifiers
Regarding course, in hospital settings, delirium usually lasts about 1 week, but some
symptoms often persist even after indivi duals are discharged from the hospital. 
Individuals with delirium may rapidly switch between hyperactive and hypoactive
states. The hyperactive state may be more common or more frequently recognized and
often is associated with medication side effe cts and drug withdrawal . The hypoactive state
may be more frequent in older adults.
Diagnostic Features
The essential feature of deliriu m is a disturbance of attention or awareness that is accom-
panied by a change in baseline cognition that  cannot be better explained by a preexisting
or evolving neurocognitive disorder (NCD). The disturbance in attention (Criterion A) is
manifested by reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain, and shift attention. Questions must
be repeated because the individual’s attentio n wanders, or the individual may perseverate
with an answer to a previous question rather  than appropriately shift attention. The indi-