Steriod Induced Delirium

[lmyles]

My 78 year old mother is newly diagnosised, on dialysis and very sick. The prednisone has resulted in a serious delirium. Has this happened to anyone else? She was previously well, active, young senior without any health issues. Our family is very worried about her

[GARYfromBOSTON]

Imyles, you will find great support for your journey with you mother on this forum! Do not despair.

I do not have direct experience with prednisone induced delirium. However, I'm reading a wonderful book entitled "Coping with Prednisone" by Eugenia Zukerman and Julie R. Inglefinger M.D.

Regarding the psychiatric side effect of steroids, in worst case scenario, patients become severely affected and develop steroid psychosis or dementia per the authors. In such cases, antipsychotic or antianxiety medications may be needed. They advise getting the help of a psychopharmacologist.

[jola57]

Many years ago when I worked in Immonology a patient on dialysis developed a strong psychosis while on steroids, to help him thru I spent couple of hours talking to him (he thought the hospital was being irradiated by beams from UFO's) it calmed him enough to keep functioning normally untill it passed. It is not unusual to develop psychosis or delirium while on high doses of prednisone. As in the post above, medication is usually prescribed and the patient gets back to normal soon. However if there is an underlining dementia or alzhimers this is not treatable and may be a problem.

[Sangye]

Imyles, I agree with Gary and Jolanta. Jolanta's experience is invaluable. Please ask for a consultation with a neuropsychiatrist.

Also, where are you located? Does your mom have a Wegener's specialist? (Not just a rheumy) There is never much wiggle room with Wegs, but particularly in the elderly. We can help you find a specialist to give your mom the best care.