The goal of treatment is to control or reverse symptoms. Treatment varies with the specific condition causing delirium. Diagnosis and care should take place in a pleasant, comfortable, nonthreatening, physically safe environment. Hospitalization may be required for a short time.
The cause should be identified and treated.
Stopping or changing medications that worsen confusion, or that are not essential to the care of the person, may improve cognitive functioning even before treatment of the underlying disorder. Medications that may exacerbate confusion include alcohol and illegal drugs, anticholinergics, analgesics, cimetidine, central nervous system depressants, lidocaine, and other medications.
Disorders that contribute to confusion should be treated. These may include heart failure, decreased oxygen (hypoxia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), thyroid disorders, anemia, nutritional disorders, infections, kidney failure, liver failure, and psychiatric conditions such as depression. Treating medical and psychiatric disorders often greatly improves mental functioning.
Medications may be required to control aggressive or agitated behaviors that are dangerous to the person or to those around them. These are usually given in very low doses, with adjustment as required.
