Delir - Stand der Forschung

Abstract

Delirium is the most common acute organic psychosis, which occurs more frequently in the elderly. The mortality is high. Nevertheless, the knowledge of delirium is limited because the lack of intensive research on delirium. In this report the recent literature is reviewed with special regard to psychopathology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, and therapy. There is no uniform pathogenesis. Imbalance of neurotransmitters, hormones and electrolytes are probably important factors in the pathogenesis of delirium. However, the relationships are very complex and remain to be elucidated. Probably rebound phenomena play a role in the development of delirium due to substance withdrawal. In brain or somatic disorders cerebral metabolic changes are believed to be the main cause of delirium.