What is a common treatment approach for Delirium?

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the material and boost your confidence!

Delirium is a multifactorial condition that often presents suddenly and is characterized by an altered level of consciousness and cognitive impairment. It usually occurs in a medical setting and is often caused by various underlying factors, such as infections, metabolic imbalances, medication effects, or substance withdrawal.

The primary treatment approach for delirium is to identify and address these underlying causes. This could involve managing infections, correcting electrolyte imbalances, discontinuing medications that may be contributing to the delirious state, or treating any other medical condition that may be precipitating the delirium. By targeting these causes, clinicians can often resolve the delirious state effectively.

The other options provided do not align with the standard practices for treating delirium. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are generally used for depression and anxiety disorders, but they are not considered a primary treatment for delirium. Psychoeducation can be a useful tool in many psychiatric settings but does not directly address the urgent needs of someone experiencing delirium. Long-term psychodynamic therapy is focused on exploring past experiences and unconscious processes and is not suitable for immediate and acute management of delirium, which requires prompt attention to physical health issues.

Thus, the most appropriate and accepted approach to treating delirium is

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