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Delirium is characterized as an acute, reversible disorder that manifests suddenly, often with a rapid onset and fluctuating course. It is typically triggered by a myriad of causes such as infections, medications, substance withdrawal, or metabolic imbalances. The key feature of delirium is its transitory nature; individuals can experience a clear period of awareness and then become confused or disoriented.

In contrast, dementia is a progressive and irreversible condition that primarily affects memory and cognitive function over time. Long-term illnesses generally refer to chronic health conditions that persist for extended periods and usually do not exhibit the sudden, reversible characteristics associated with delirium. Chronic fatigue syndrome involves persistent fatigue with no clear underlying medical cause, but it is also not characterized by the sudden onset or reversible nature of delirium. Hence, delirium stands out as the correct answer for an acute and reversible disorder that can emerge rapidly.