Delirium and dementia are both neurocognitive disorders that affect mental functioning, but they differ in onset, duration, and underlying causes. Understanding the causes of these disorders is crucial in mental health nursing for effective assessment, intervention, and care planning. Causes of Delirium: Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention, consciousness, and cognition. It often develops over hours to days and is usually reversible if the underlying cause is treated promptly. The causes can be classified as follows: 1. Medical Conditions: * Infections: Common in older adults, particularly urinary tract infections and pneumonia. * Hypoxia: Low oxygen levels due to respiratory disorders or cardiac failure. * Metabolic Disturbances: Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia, hypoglycemia), dehydration, liver or kidney failure. * Endocrine Disorders: Thyroid dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency. * Neurological Conditions: Stroke, seizures, brain tumors, or head injury can lead to delirium. 2. Substance Use and Withdrawal: * Intoxication: Alcohol, sedatives, narcotics, and hallucinogens can induce delirium. * Withdrawal: Abrupt cessation of alcohol or benzodiazepines may cause delirium tremens, a severe