The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium: Updated Implications for Patient Care

Authors

• Mark A. Oldham, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
• Laura J. Fochtmann, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
• Catherine Crone, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-6-2026

Journal

The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences

DOI

10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20250203

Keywords

American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines; Cognitive Disorders; Delirium; Hospitalization; Prevention and Treatment

Abstract

Delirium occurs in a significant proportion of hospitalized and older patients, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates, lengthier hospitalizations, increased readmissions, higher health care costs, greater odds of persistent functional decline, and psychological distress for patients, their families, and clinicians. Given that the global population continues to age, the incidence of delirium is expected to rise. The recently updated American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium includes 15 statements to help clinicians prevent delirium, improve its detection, and optimize treatment for delirium in adult patient populations. In this analysis and commentary, the authors review each of the guideline statements, providing context and discussion of their clinical implications.

APA Citation

Oldham, Mark A.; Fochtmann, Laura J.; and Crone, Catherine, "The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium: Updated Implications for Patient Care" (2026). GW Authored Works. Paper 8741.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/8741

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences