American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of both delirium and dementia?

1. Altered consciousness

2. Disorientation to place

3. Sleep disturbance

4. Violent behavior

The correct answer is: Disorientation to place

Disorientation to place is a common symptom shared by both delirium and dementia. In delirium, this disorientation often occurs due to the acute onset of confusion and cognitive disturbances, which can be influenced by a variety of factors such as infections, metabolic imbalances, or medication effects. Patients with delirium may present with a fluctuating level of awareness and may not know where they are at any given moment. In the case of dementia, particularly in its later stages, individuals frequently exhibit disorientation as the disease progresses and affects their memory and awareness. These patients may struggle to recognize familiar places or understand their current environment. The disorientation in dementia is generally more stable and progressive, whereas in delirium, it is episodic and can change rapidly. Understanding this commonality helps differentiate the underlying causes and characteristics of these conditions, which is critical for appropriate diagnosis and management in psychiatric practice.