Objective: To examine the therapeutic effects and adverse events in patients with delirium after treatment by antipsychotics, which are haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-six delirious inpatients treated by haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine participated in this study. The type and dosage of medication depended on the judgment of psychiatrists who took care of each patient. Investigators observed the clinical progression without being involved in any treatment methods. Severity of delirium was evaluated using the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale [MDAS]. The extrapyramidal side effect [EPS] was assessed via the Modified Simpson-Angus Scale [MSAS]. All measures were applied at the baseline (prior to the treatment) and repeated daily throughout the 7-day study. The mixed model regression analysis was used.

Results: Eleven (19.6%), 14 (25%), and 31 (55.4%) participants received haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine, respectively. At baseline, MDAS score (mean) of haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine groups were 14.5, 19.3, and 18.0, which were not statistical different. At study end, the MDAS score improved the most in risperidone group (-8.3), followed by haloperidol (-7.3), and quetiapine group (-5.9). The mixed model analysis indicated no significant differences in the improving scores between treatment groups. About 30% of patients had experienced adverse events. Most common side effects were sedation (14.3%) and EPS (10.7%). There were no statistical significant differences in side effect profiles between groups.

Conclusion: Haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine are similarly effective in the management of delirium. No different side-effect profile was found.

Keywords: Efficacy, Safety, Delirium, Antipsychotics, Haloperidol, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Extrapyramidal side effect [EPS]