An acute or chronic disorganized mental state in which the abilities to remember, think clearly, and reason are impaired. Acute confusion can arise as a symptom of delirium, in which brain activity is affected by fever, drugs, poisons, or injury. People with acute confusion may also have hallucinations and behave violently. Chronic confusion is often associated with alcohol dependence, long-term use of antianxiety drugs, and certain physically based mental disorders. Many of the conditions that cause chronic confusion (for example dementia) are progressive. Features include absentmindedness, poor short-term memory, and a tendency to be repetitive. If the underlying cause of confusion can be treated, there may be marked improvement. Sedative drugs can be of benefit in acute confusion.
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