[Non-withdrawal-related delirium : Evidence on prevention and therapy]

Nervenarzt. 2016 May;87(5):534-42. doi: 10.1007/s00115-015-0027-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Delirium is a severe and common yet under-diagnosed disorder in the clinical routine. Multiple factors may contribute to the development of delirium, which is associated with increased mortality and high healthcare costs. Treatment of delirium is often provided with delay and limited to pharmacological interventions. This article summarizes the key symptoms for delirium as well as risk factors and highlights the pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for treatment and prevention.

Keywords: Antipsychotic drugs; Delirium prevention; Delirium therapy; Non-pharmacological interventions; Pathophysiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Delirium / diagnosis
  • Delirium / etiology*
  • Delirium / prevention & control
  • Delirium / therapy*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / etiology*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents