Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 68, Issue 4 , Pages 337-344, April 2010

Delirium in children and adolescents: A systematic review of the literature

  • Sean Hatherill

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. 13 Waratah Avenue, Graceville, Brisbane, 4075, Queensland, Australia. Tel.: +27 7 3488 3638; fax: +27 7 3488 3645.
    • ,
  • Alan J. Flisher

Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, South Africa

Received 26 April 2009; received in revised form 6 October 2009; accepted 30 October 2009. published online 11 January 2010.

Abstract 

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to collate all works relating to delirium and probable delirium in children and adolescents published since 1980.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature in all languages published between 1980 and March 2009 was conducted.

Results

The literature is limited to small case series and case reports including a total of 217 children or adolescents with definite delirium and a further 136 children and adolescents with “probable delirium.” These articles, in addition to unsystematic reviews, overviews, editorials, journal commentaries, and pertinent book chapters, are discussed in relation to prevalence, predisposing and precipitating factors, phenomenology, residual psychopathology, mortality, management, and prevention of delirium in childhood and adolescence.

Conclusions

Delirium is an important but neglected disorder of childhood associated with significant morbidity and high mortality. Current clinical practice for management is based on slim empirical evidence.

Keywords: Delirium, Consultation–liaison

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PII: S0022-3999(09)00457-7

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.10.011

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 68, Issue 4 , Pages 337-344, April 2010

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