Delirium: current trends in prevention and treatment

Authors: Weber J.B.; Coverdale J.H.; Kunik M.E.

Source: Internal Medicine Journal, Volume 34, Number 3, March 2004 , pp. 115-121(7)

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Abstract:

Abstract

Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness, cognition and perception that occurs frequently in medically ill patients. Although it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, it is often not recognised and treated by physicians. Predisposing factors are believed to have multiplicative effects and include dementia, advanced age and male gender. Recently developed models allow for the estimation of the risk of developing delirium during a hospitalisation, based on predisposing factors and acute additional stressors. Although it has been shown to be efficacious, the prevention of delirium is underutilised. Prevention consists of aggressive management of known risk factors and early detection. Limited data exist to support specific pharmacological interventions for its treatment. In this article, the available published literature regarding the prevention and treatment of delirium is systematically reviewed. (Intern Med J 2004; 34; 115-121)

Keywords: delirium; prevention; treatment; antipsychotic medication

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1444-0903.2004.00549.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine and

Publication date: 2004-03-01