How Do I Choose the Best Delirium Treatment?

In order to choose the best delirium treatment for you, it is important to first determine what is causing it. A variety of issues may result in delirium, including head injuries, drug withdrawal, or mental illness, so it is important to understand the source in your particular case and address it appropriately. Medication may also play a role, both in terms of taking medications that can help with the delirium and getting you off of any medications that may worsen it. Supportive care will also likely need to be part of your treatment, to address any issues that might be making the condition worse, like dehydration, sensory deprivation, or an overly stimulating environment.

The first step in delirium treatment is usually finding out the underlying cause of your issue and treating it. Drug or alcohol abuse can cause delirium, as can sudden withdrawal in chronic users; certain medications, like opiates or psychotropics, may also cause it. You may experience delirium if you have had recent head trauma. Certain medical problems like hypoglycemia, intracranial hypertension, or various neurological disorders might be to blame, as can issues like brain tumors or stroke. People with some types of mental disorders may also display signs of delirium.

It is important to evaluate which medications you should be taking and which ones you should not during delirium treatment. Certain types of drugs, including analgesics and anticholinergics, can worsen your mental state during an episode, so your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking them. You may also need to take new medications to help reduce your confusion or control your agitation if it is severe. Antipsychotics may help certain patients recover from delirium. Low doses of dopamine blockers, mood stabilizers, or sedatives may be appropriate for people who become agitated or aggressive to the point that it is dangerous.

Most patients also require supportive care during delirium treatment to minimize any factors that are contributing to their discomfort, confusion, and agitation. Physical issues like dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and infections should all be addressed. Any issues that are affecting your senses should be corrected by providing things like eyeglasses or hearing aids. You should also be in a safe and soothing environment, free from excessive noise, with close family and friends nearby to explain what is going on. It may also help to have items like a clock or newspaper available to help you get re-oriented.