ABSTRACT
The internet as a widespread source of communication is already having a significant influence in medicine and psychiatry. Although the internet has great potential in psychiatric education, clinical care, and research, its impact on social issues should not be underestimated. Firstly, the internet as a means of communication may encourage suicidal behavior by depicting ways by which suicide may be committed. Secondly, some internet websites may discourage people with mental illness from seeking psychiatric help, condone suicide, and forbid entry to anyone offering to discourage users from committing suicide. However, the internet could be a resource to help a potentially suicidal person get help, and can be used to identify those at risk for suicide, communicate with them, and potentially prevent suicide. If used appropriately, the internet is a powerful communication tool that can be used to benefit suicidal patients.
Subject(s)
Access to Information , Communication , Internet , Mental Disorders/psychology , Suicide/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Information Dissemination/ethics , Male , Suicide PreventionABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Delirium is a common condition frequently seen in consultation-liaison psychiatry. It is especially common among medically compromised patients, and is an indicator of the severity of the medical illness. In addition, it is associated with a higher morbidity, mortality, and longer hospitalization. Traditionally, haloperidol has been used to treat agitation as it may occur in delirium. However, atypical antipsychotics are being increasingly used to treat delirium. METHOD: In this article, we will describe two cases of delirium successfully treated with aripiprazole. RESULTS: Both patients had significant improvement in their delirium as measured by the delirium rating scale. CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole appears to be effective in reducing the symptoms of delirium.
