The Controversy Of Excited Delirium

What Is Excited Delirium?

The very definition of excited delirium is subjected to controversy. In a very strict sense excited delirium is a symptom characterized by a drastic disturbance in the patient’s behavior caused by the persistent abuse of drugs, usually cocaine. Recently though, excited delirium has been used to define a syndrome, usually appearing in exceptional stressful situations like arrests by the police. No matter of the definition though, the patient will try to unrestrain himself, will become aggressive and confrontational. Obviously with no accepted definition in place, the media attention that this issue has attracted lately didn’t make things any easier. In order for such a condition to be dealt with, it must first be recognized. The number of deaths associated with excited delirium also adds to the media frenzy and fuels the confusion.

Why Is Excited Delirium Difficult To Recognize?

As strange as it might seem, excited delirium is actually very hard to diagnose in the place where it occurs most often: the police station. The reason is fairly simple: the complex of symptoms associated with this condition do occur on a regular in such places. Erratic behavior, aggressiveness even delirious states are not uncommon. Also given the fact that excited delirium also usually translates in violent arrests also means the policemen are less likely to identify this issue and confuse it with the patient’s normal behavior. On top of this the excited delirium syndrome is not actually a disease, but merely a symptom, which further adds to the chaos. The increase incidence of such cases is most likely linked with the increase of cocaine consumption in some areas. Despite popular belief, this sort of medical condition does not necessarily appear due to an overdose, but also in the case of chronic users who consume relatively small amounts, which extends the population segment at risk greatly.

What Will Happen Next?

As unfortunate as it might seem, excited delirium and its associated drug consumption cause will stay with us for a very long time. The only real answer to make this deaths stop is the complete destruction of the cocaine underground market, either by educating people of its potential lethal effects, or by stopping those who trade. The amount of controversy surrounding this issue, caused by the deaths of some people, while in police custody, will probably trigger an awareness response from the police force, which should be able to recognize in the future such a condition, or modify their mode of operating such as to avoid these tragic accidents.

Can Excited Delirium Be Cured?

Excited Delirium is not a disease, but a symptom, so in order to get rid of it you must remove the primary cause, in this cause the consumption of cocaine. Although the most obvious signs of excited delirium occur in the behavior patterns, what is truly dangerous is the condition of the circulatory system. Most of the deaths occur due to vasoconstriction (the tightening of the blood vessels) and heart failure. If you consume cocaine and you observe signs like increased pulse or fever try relaxing and avoiding stress. The risk of excited delirium is much more increased in the case of chronic cocaine consumers, so it is highly recommendable that you seek medical advice if you encounter these early symptoms. It is a matter of life and death in the most literal way possible.

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