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Published on: November 21, 2013
Delirium in children and adolescents
Sandeep Grover1, Savita Malhotra, Rahul Bharadwaj
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India. drsandeepg2002@yahoo.com
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|October 29, 2009
Summary
Delirium in children and adolescents often presents with sleep-wake disturbances and cognitive issues. Prompt treatment with low-dose haloperidol showed positive responses in a tertiary care setting.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
- Neuropsychiatry
Background:
- Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric condition in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the clinical profile of delirium in children and adolescents is crucial for effective management.
- Consultation-Liaison (CL) psychiatry services play a vital role in diagnosing and managing complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of children and adolescents diagnosed with delirium.
- To identify common underlying pathologies and presenting symptoms of delirium in this age group.
- To evaluate the treatment response to interventions provided by CL psychiatry services.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted.
- Data was collected from patients aged 14 years or younger referred to CL psychiatry services.
- Diagnosis of delirium was based on ICD-10 criteria.
Main Results:
- Forty-six pediatric patients were diagnosed with delirium.
- Infections were the most frequent underlying cause, followed by neoplasms.
- Sleep-wake cycle disturbance and impaired orientation were universal; impaired attention and memory were also common. Agitation and affective lability were observed in over 60% of cases.
- Low-dose haloperidol was effective in managing symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Sleep-wake cycle disturbances and cognitive dysfunction are hallmark symptoms of delirium in pediatric patients.
- Early identification and management by CL psychiatry services are essential for improving outcomes.
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