Hypoactive delirium tends to capture less clinical attention than hyperactive delirium. Like all delirium, it can occur in a variety of patients and settings and will consequently be encountered by many groups of doctors. It can be more difficult to recognize, and is associated with worse outcomes, than hyperactive delirium. This article outlines when to suspect, assess, and appropriately manage patients with hypoactive delirium.

Available data suggest about 50% of delirium is hypoactive; this and the mixed motor sub-type account for 80% of all cases of delirium. It can be more difficult to recognize, and is associated with worse outcomes, than hyperactive delirium.

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