Delirium Rating Scale – Revised – 98 (DRS-R-98)

This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Delirium Rating Scale – Revised – 98 (DRS-R-98), which is a clinician rating scale, using information derived from medical history, laboratory tests, family and clinician reports, and patient assessment to assess the breadth and severity of symptoms characterizing delirium or other confusional states in adults. DRS-R-98 was developed for use by psychiatrists, but clinicians with appropriate backgrounds can use it after training. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.