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Psychostimulants and delirium in patients receiving palliative care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2005

J.C. KEEN  and
D. BROWN
J.C. KEEN
Affiliation:
Highland Hospice, Inverness, United Kingdom
D. BROWN
Affiliation:
St. Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abstract

The use of psychostimulants to relieve opioid-induced drowsiness and symptoms of depression in medically ill patients has become increasingly established in North America. The role of psychostimulants in the care of patients receiving palliative care is beginning to be debated in the United Kingdom both in the hospice and hospital setting. Delirium has been well defined and reported as a significant problem in populations of patients receiving palliative care. Two case histories are presented to illustrate the potential benefit of psychostimulants in hypoactive delirium.

Keywords

PsychostimulantsMethylphenidateHypoactive deliriumPalliative care
Type
CASE REPORT
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , June 2004 , pp. 199 - 202
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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