Once a choice is made, dosage is adjusted to provide coverage for withdrawal symptoms, then gradually decreased. The exact withdrawal schedule depends on the particular clinical situation, including the patient's degree of dependence and overall medical and psychological state. Although withdrawal over a few days is appropriate for many patients, others require prolonged tapering to prevent the reemergence of significant withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, the great majority of patients experience mild syndromes. Sequelae Traditionally, delirium has been viewed as a transient condition that fully resolves when the precipitating problem is alleviated.
Some patients experience serious sequelae after a delirious episode.
The explanations for these observed effects are not clear. In some situations, the delirium may unmask an evolving, previously unrecognized dementia. In other cases, vulnerability to delirium may be a marker for a compromised biological system. Summary Delirium is a common medical condition, especially in elderly hospitalized patients. The syndrome is characterized by a short course of confusion and changes in perception and behavior.