An Open-Label Study of Quetiapine for Delirium
Benchalak Maneeton MD*, Narong Maneeton MD*, Manit Srisurapanont MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Psychiatry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai
Objective : To evaluate the effects of quetiapine treatment in patients with delirium.
Materials and Methods : All patients with delirium were assessed. The diagnosis of delirium was confirmed by
using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). Quetiapine at the dose between 25 and 100 mg /day was
given for 7 days. The efficacy of quetiapine on delirium was evaluated by using the Delirium Rating Scale
(DRS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S). The extrapyramidal side effects were assessed
by using the Modified (9-item) Simpson-Angus Scale (MSAS).
Results : Twenty-two patients had delirium. Seventeen (10 males and 7 females) subjects with a mean age (SD)
of 55.6 (18.6) years were included in the present study. Means (SDs) dose and duration (SD) of quetiapine
treatment were 45.7 (28.7) mg/day and 6.5 (2.0) days, respectively. The DRS and CGI-S scores of days 2-7 were
significantly lower than those of day 0 (p < 0.001) for all comparisons). Only two subjects were shown to have
mild tremor.
Conclusion : Quetiapine within the range of 25-100 mg/day improves delirious condition within 24 hours of
treatment. It is well-tolerated and has a very low propensity to induce extrapyramidal side effects. Further
randomized, placebo-controlled trials are warranted.
Keywords : Delirium, Quetiapine, Extrapyramidal side effects, Treatment outcome
