Excited delirium
Excited Delirium
Excited delirium (pronounced: ex-cit-ed de-lir-ium), also known as ExDS, is a controversial term used to describe a state of extreme mental and physiological excitement, characterized by extreme agitation, aggression, acute distress, and sudden death, often in the context of illicit drug use or serious mental illness.
Etymology
The term "excited delirium" is derived from the Latin words "excitare" meaning "to rouse or stir up" and "delirium" meaning "a state of wild excitement or ecstasy". It was first used in medical literature in the 1980s to describe a state of delirium characterized by extreme agitation and hyperactivity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of excited delirium may include agitation, aggression, acute distress, hallucinations, fever, sweating, and a lack of response to attempts to calm the person down. These symptoms are often accompanied by a high level of physical strength and endurance, even when the person is restrained.
Causes
The exact cause of excited delirium is not known, but it is often associated with the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, or in individuals with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also occur in individuals who are in a state of extreme physical distress, such as those suffering from severe dehydration or hyperthermia.
Treatment
Treatment for excited delirium focuses on calming the individual and addressing any underlying medical conditions. This may involve the use of sedatives or antipsychotic medications, as well as medical treatment for any physical conditions such as dehydration or hyperthermia.
Controversies
The term "excited delirium" is controversial, with some medical professionals questioning its validity as a medical diagnosis. Critics argue that the term is often used to justify excessive use of force by law enforcement officers, particularly in cases where the individual is under the influence of drugs or suffering from a mental illness.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Excited delirium
- Wikipedia's article - Excited delirium
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski