Iranian family and delirium: A qualitative case study

Introduction and Objectives: Organic mental disorders constitute a major mental health problem among the elderly and conditions characterized by observable disturbances in previously unimpaired mental functioning. Acute organic mental disorder is typically referred to as delirium. Delirium is a syndrome characterized by clouding of consciousness, failure of attention, memory deficits, emotional turmoil and disorientation. This qualitative case study is a small part of PhD dissertation and was aimed to determine lived experiences of family with patient suffered from delirium. Materials and Methods: In this study, through the data collecting for PhD dissertation, Participants consist of a patient with delirium and his immediate family members observed and interviewed by open ended questions in the form of semi structured interview which were recorded by audio tape recorder. Then the data analyzed by considering to observational field note, nonverbal behaviors, Words, Frequency of comments, and finally find the big ideas about complications and bad experiences that cause by delirium. Results: Results that reflect complications and bad experiences of an Iranian family of patient with delirium were illusion, disorientation , memory impairment , disturbance of sleep-wake cycle with insomnia in night and day time sleepiness that cause discomfort and alteration in personal habits of his other family members, decreased psychomotor activity that cause self care deficit and need more time for his care by his other family members that effect on their economical status and occupational function. Conclusion: Attention to results will lead to importance of holistic approach and family–centered care in delirium.

case study, lived experiences, family, delirium, Organic mental disorders, Iran