Neurol. praxi. 2011;12(5):317-320

Delirium in addictions to addictive substances

MUDr.Olga Pecinovská

Oddělení pro léčbu závislostí, 1. LF UK, Praha

Delirium is an acute, life-threatening condition requiring a timely diagnosis, a timely differential diagnosis to distinguish it from similar

life-threatening conditions and a timely treatment. Delirium tremens is among the leading causes of death among those with a psychiatric

diagnosis; however, the risk of delirium complications is still underestimated. The treatment of milder, uncomplicated deliria is feasible

in conventional detoxification centres or at psychiatric wards through collaboration between a psychiatrist and an internist. The treatment

of severe deliria and deliria in patients with serious somatic complications comes within the competence of an intensive care unit

where continuous monitoring and artificial ventilation are possible and auxiliary diagnostic methods are available.

Keywords: delirium, delirium tremens, intoxication, addiction, substance dependence, withdrawal

Published: November 1, 2011  Show citation