In the previous episode we discussed the presentations and screening of delirium, as well as the risk factors. Just as important as these medical and iatrogenic precipitants are a host of environmental triggers that are highly modifiable. Anything that contributes to a person’s disorientation and discomfort can increase the likelihood of a delirium episode. While a lot of these factors are compounded in elderly and frail patients, it’s important not to be fatalistic. Delirium can be reversed in a majority of patients by non-pharmacological means. There are no medications indicated for treatment anywhere in the world. Psychtropic drugs should only be considered in patients experiencing severe distress intractable by other means as they are associated with many adverse side effects.

Guests
Adam Kwok
Professor Meera Agar FRACP FAChPM (Liverpool Hospital, UTS)
Professor Gideon Caplan FRACP (Director of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, UNSW)
 
 Production
Written and produced by Mic Cavazzini. Music courtesy of Free Music Archive includes  ‘See You Soon’ by Borrtex, ‘Remember the Archer’ by Scott Holmes, ‘John Stockton Slow Drag’ by Chris Zabriskie, ‘Tam814’ by LJ Kruzer and ‘Listen, Lisbon’ by Loch Lomond. Picture licenced from Getty Images.

Editorial feedback for this episode was kindly provided by members of the RACP’s Podcast Editorial Group; Sern Wei Yeoh, Seema Radhakrishnan, Phillipa Wormald, Duncan Austin, Joseph Lee, Adrienne Torda,  Marion Leighton, Oliver Dillon, Atif Slim, Andrew Whyte, Rhiannon Mellor.

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.