Question

Confusion assessment scale used for which of the following?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Delirium
• C. Dementia
• D. Depression

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a tool used primarily for the diagnosis of delirium, which is a sudden and severe confusion due to rapid changes in brain function. Delirium can have various causes, including medical conditions, substance use, or withdrawal. Here's why each option fits or doesn't fit with the CAM:

• Schizophrenia: Though schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder, the CAM is not typically used for its assessment. Schizophrenia requires different diagnostic tools and criteria.
• Delirium: This is the correct answer. The CAM specifically assesses features of delirium like acute onset, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered levels of consciousness.
• Dementia: While delirium and dementia may present with confusion, dementia is a chronic and progressive condition requiring tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for evaluation, not the CAM.
• Depression: Depression involves a persistent mood disorder, not the acute confusion or rapid cognitive fluctuations characterized by delirium. Thus, depression is not assessed using the CAM.

Therefore, the Confusion Assessment Method is used for evaluating delirium due to its acute nature and specific diagnostic criteria.