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Published on: May 12, 2018
Agitation: Neurobiology and current management guidelines
Christopher W T Miller1, Mario Rullo2, Sarah Van Remmen1
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, 701 W. Pratt St, Rm 454 Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
Updated guidelines for managing agitation in emergency settings are available. This review covers neurobiology, pharmacology, and new treatments like ketamine and droperidol for effective patient care.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Agitation management in emergency settings requires updated guidelines.
- Previous guidelines, Project BETA, were published in 2012.
- Recent advancements include increased use of ketamine and droperidol.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize current recommendations for agitation management.
- Detail the neurobiology of agitation.
- Link neurobiology to pharmacological profiles of treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current guidelines and research.
- Analysis of neurobiological underpinnings of agitation.
- Pharmacological profile assessment of key agents.
Main Results:
- Current guidelines incorporate new evidence and treatments.
- Ketamine and droperidol are increasingly utilized.
- Understanding neurobiology informs drug selection.
Conclusions:
- Updated strategies enhance the treatment of agitation.
- Consideration of specific causes is crucial for effective management.
- Evidence-based recommendations improve clinical practice.
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