Delirious mania: detection, diagnosis, and clinical management in the acute setting

J Psychiatr Pract. 2013 Jan;19(1):15-28. doi: 10.1097/01.pra.0000426324.67322.06.

Abstract

Delirious mania is a severe but under-recognized neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by the rapid onset of delirium, mania, and psychosis, not associated with a prior toxicity, physical illness, or mental disorder. Catatonia is often a prominent feature of the syndrome. While initially believed to be rare, recent reports suggest that delirious mania may constitute up to 15% of all acute mania cases. When delirious mania is unrecognized or improperly treated, it can progress rapidly in severity and can become life-threatening. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of delirious mania and includes a detailed case report. Delirious mania is robustly responsive to high-dose lorazepam or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); thus, early recognition and definitive treatment can be life-saving.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Bipolar Disorder / therapy
  • Catatonia / diagnosis
  • Delirium / diagnosis*
  • Delirium / drug therapy
  • Delirium / psychology
  • Delirium / therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Lorazepam / therapeutic use
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Lorazepam