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Too young?

Illustrated Story B40, with a text transcript.

Read story B40: Too young? (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, Too young? Katie, a nineteen-year-old white woman, becomes acutely ill and confused. Her father reports that she is suddenly not making sense. An initial response suggests stress. He explains that the change is new and asks about delirium. A clinician assesses her, identifies serious physical illness and begins treatment, explaining that younger adults can have delirium. Footer: Delirium can affect younger adults too. Sudden confusion needs urgent help.

Delirium is more common in older people, but it can affect younger adults too. A sudden change in thinking, attention or awareness should not be dismissed simply because someone is young.

Explain what has changed and how quickly it happened. Ask for a doctor or nurse to check what is wrong. Delirium is one possible explanation, and other urgent problems can also cause sudden confusion. Recognise the change and get medical help promptly.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Katie is nineteen. She becomes ill and confused.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Martin: She’s suddenly not making sense.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Nurse: Could she be stressed?

  4. Panel 4.

    • Martin: This is new. Could it be delirium?

  5. Panel 5. The clinician assesses her and finds serious physical illness.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Doctor: Younger adults can have delirium too. We’re treating her illness.

Bottom band. Delirium can affect younger adults too. Sudden confusion needs urgent help.

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