AGITATION
- Author:
Yew Seng Tan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Agitation;
Delirium;
Terminal Illness;
Palliative Care;
Non-Pharmacological Treatment;
Pharmacological Treatment
- From:The Singapore Family Physician
2016;42(3):45-52
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Agitation and delirium are commonly encountered
symptoms in palliative care. Based on the clinical
features, delirium may present in the hypoactive,
hyperactive and mixed forms. By reason of the
prevalence, the significant distress and symptom
burden, as well as the possibility of reversibility, it is
vital that the clinician be vigilant in identifying and
treating delirium and its symptoms. This article
describes how delirium may present, the clinical
features, aetiologies and the methods to screen and
diagnose delirium. When managing a delirious patient
in the palliative care setting, it is necessary to
contextualise any investigation and intervention in
terms of the disease condition and trajectory, the level
of distress and the care preferences and goals of the
patient and family. Non-pharmacological management
should always be in place though pharmacological
treatments also have a definite role in the relief of
distressing symptoms of agitation and delirium.
Support and education for the patient, family and care
providers are integral and continuous aspects of care
for the agitated or delirious terminally ill patient.
