[Psychiatric disorders in the ICU I: delirium].

Delirium is the most common psychiatric disorder on ICU. Without sufficient treatment there can be stupor, coma or exitus of the patient. Close collaboration of ICU physicians and Psychiatrists leads to quick diagnosis and effective treatment. This article reviews the different forms of delirium, its causes and therapy strategies. Also changes of the ICU environment to prevent patients from delirium are mentioned.