aCTD: Abbreviated Cognitive Test for Delirium

1997

A two-component abbreviation of the nine-content-score CTD, combining visual attention span with picture-recognition memory. Its favourable threshold performance was derived in the original CTD validation sample, not independently validated.

Classification

Domain-specific or adjunctive measureCognitive tests designed for delirium Use in intensive care units Detailed phenomenological and/or neuropsychological assessment

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Tool and original sources

This record describes a method rather than a downloadable bedside form. The main source is linked below.

Original paper

Original paperHart RP, Best AM, Sessler CN, Levenson JL. Abbreviated cognitive test for delirium. Journal of psychosomatic research. 1997;43(4):417-23. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3999(97)00140-2. PMID: 9330241.
This is the original published source for aCTD. It reported sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 98.8% against an independent DSM-III-R clinical assessment.
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One DTA study identifiedVersion or adaptation

At a glance

Purpose: Domain-specific or adjunctive measure
Population: Adult
Setting: General / acute hospital, Intensive care
Time: shorter than the full CTD; exact completion time not reported
Score or threshold: 10 or below using the published 10/11 cut point

Format: aCTD sums two CTD content scores and applies a published 10/11 cut point. The full tasks and scoring instructions should be obtained from the article rather than reproduced on the commentary page.

Evidence

Evidence maturityOne DTA study identified

Reported sensitivity and specificity

Headline metric source

Original/source study · 1997 — pmid:9330241

Denominator: Reported source unit: 103 (analysis unit not fully reconciled)
Reference standard: Expert psychiatric DSM-III-R diagnostic-group classification in the original CTD cohort (delirium, dementia, depression and schizophrenia)

94.7%

Sensitivity

98.8%

Specificity

Earliest DTA evaluation identified in the current audit; see the linked source and methodological caveats.

More evidence and citation details

Full name: Abbreviated Cognitive Test for Delirium
Also known as: aCTD
Related profiles: CTD
Evidence summary: derivation-only
Diagnostic-accuracy studies: 1
Reference standard: Expert psychiatric DSM-III-R diagnostic-group classification in the original CTD cohort (delirium, dementia, depression and schizophrenia)
Citation: Hart RP, Best AM, Sessler CN, Levenson JL Abbreviated cognitive test for delirium Journal of psychosomatic research. 1997;43(4):417-23. PMID 9330241

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Information checked: 2026-07-19

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Sources checked 2026-07-29. How profiles are prepared.