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Delirium: prevention, treatment, and outcome studies
M G Cole1, F J Primeau, L M Elie
1Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Mary's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|January 23, 1999
Summary
This review found that while interventions can help prevent and manage delirium symptoms, they do not yet offer a new conceptual understanding. Further research is needed, particularly on delirium treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Delirium is a common and serious condition in hospitalized patients.
- A clear conceptual understanding of delirium is lacking.
- Evidence on prevention, treatment, and outcomes requires synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on delirium prevention, treatment, and outcomes.
- To contribute to a conceptual understanding of delirium.
- To identify directions for future research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search on delirium prevention, treatment, and outcome.
- Assessment of study validity.
- Examination of retrieved study results.
Main Results:
- Interventions showed modest effectiveness in preventing delirium in surgical patients.
- Systematic detection and intervention programs, along with special nursing care, provided significant benefits.
- Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and mianserin were useful for symptom control.
- Good premorbid function was associated with better outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Current findings do not establish a new conceptual understanding of delirium.
- Evidence suggests directions for future research, especially in delirium treatment.
- Further investigation is warranted to refine prevention and management strategies.