A case of intermittent delirious mania

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neurology

Background:

• Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, characterized by elevated mood and energy.
• Delirium is an acute confusional state with fluctuating cognition.
• Intermittent delirious mania is a rare presentation requiring careful diagnosis.

Observation:

• A male patient with a history of hypomania presented with episodes of delirium.
• Diagnostic workup excluded other potential causes of delirium, such as metabolic disturbances or infections.

Findings:

• The patient's delirious episodes were intermittent and associated with his hypomanic state.
• Treatment with lithium carbonate led to the complete remission of the delirious symptoms.

Implications:

• This case suggests lithium carbonate may be an effective treatment for intermittent delirious mania in hypomanic individuals.
• Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this presentation.
• Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for managing patients with complex mood and cognitive disturbances.