Since the condition is usually temporary and reversible, the prognosis of delirium is often positive. Generally treating the cause of delirium will reverse and reduce the symptoms. At the most, delirium lasts for a week though it may take a few more weeks for every function to return to normalcy.
Recovery also depends on the overall health and mental state of the patient before delirium set in. For example, people suffering from illnesses such as dementia before the onset of delirium could see a marked decrease in their cognitive skills and memory even after delirium has been treated. In some cases (especially with the aged or the terminally ill) delirium could lead to a general decline in health and even demand institutional care. On the other hand, people in good health prior to the condition may recover completely.
In severe cases, the following complications could arise: