What condition is characterized by a quickly developing confusion or disorientation?

The condition characterized by a quickly developing confusion or disorientation is delirium. Delirium typically presents as an acute change in attention and cognition, and it occurs rapidly, often in response to an underlying medical issue, substance use, or withdrawal. Patients may display fluctuating levels of consciousness and experience disturbances in perception, attention, and memory.

In contrast, dementia develops slowly over time and is a progressive decline in cognitive function that does not usually involve sudden episodes of confusion. Anxiety can lead to cognitive disturbances but does not typically cause disorientation in the same abrupt manner as delirium. Amnesia refers to significant memory loss and does not necessarily include the rapid changes in cognition or attention seen in delirium. Thus, the defining feature of delirium is its sudden onset and the accompanying confusion or disorientation.