Benzodiazepinics and the treatment of delirium: A literature review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the role of the benzodiazepine class in delirium patient management. METHODS: Using the PubMed database, articles were reviewed after the year 2000 containing in their title the words 'delirium' and 'benzodiazepines'. DISCUSSION: Delirium is an acute confusional state that leads to altered attention, awareness, and cognition. It presents with some well-established risk factors, especially older individuals with cognitive decline. There is currently no definite consensus regarding its pathophysiology, nor regarding pharmacological measures, especially concerning the benzodiazepine class. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that there may be a role for the use of pharmacological class in the treatment of this condition, indicating a change in the previously paradigmatic pattern of treatment.