Delirium

• Autores: Tayyeb A. Tahir, Deepali Mahajan
• Localización: Medicine, ISSN-e 1357-3039, Vol. 44, Nº. 12, 2016, págs. 724-728
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Delirium is a common, underdiagnosed and suboptimally managed neuropsychiatric syndrome. The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines it as acute disturbance of attention with a fluctuating clinical picture. Delirium can present in various clinical settings and have a multifactorial aetiology. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of delirium helps to prevent further deterioration of pre-existing cognitive syndromes. Therefore, proactive screening, early detection and prompt management through risk stratification can improve the outcome. There is incomplete evidence for drug treatment forming part of multicomponent interventions in the prevention and management of delirium. Further research is warranted, including the systematic identification of high-risk patients undergoing major procedures as well as the prophylactic or pre-emptive use of appropriate drugs and dosages.