Delirium, Alcohol Withdrawal, and Psychiatric Disorders

Delirium is a common complication in ICU patients. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ICU delirium including medications, sedation, underlying disease, alcohol withdrawal, metabolic derangements, and sleep deprivation. Delirium is frequently treated with antipsychotics; however, important side effects include QT prolongation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. ICU admission can also have long-term psychiatric consequences for patients, including PTSD and depression.