Cocaine-Associated Agitated Delirium and the Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• NCJ Number: 238234
• Journal: American Journal of Emergency Medicine Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: July 1996 Pages: 425-428
• Author(s): Charles V. Wetli M.D.; Deborah Mash Ph.D.; Steven B. Karch M.D.
• Date Published: June 1996
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the incidence of cocaine-associated agitated delirium.

Abstract

The incidence of this previously rare disorder, cocaine-associated agitated delirium, appears to have increased drastically within the last 18 months. The underlying neurochemical abnormalities have recently been characterized, but most clinicians have had little experience with management of agitated delirium. The basic clinical and pathological features of this disorder are reviewed, and common pitfalls in diagnosis and management that frequently lead to needless but very expensive litigation are discussed. (Published Abstract)