GHB-induced delirium: a case report and review of the literature of gamma hydroxybutyric acid

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1998 Feb;24(1):179-83. doi: 10.3109/00952999809001706.

Abstract

We describe what we believe is the first psychiatric hospitalization due to GHB-induced delirium reported in the medical literature. We examine the use of the substance gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and describe the clinical findings in a patient who presented to an acute inpatient psychiatric unit with a chief complaint of feeling suicidal and a 1-year history of GHB use. A review of the literature and GHB's availability through the Internet are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia* / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Delirium / diagnosis
  • Delirium / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced
  • Hallucinations / diagnosis
  • Hallucinations / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / diagnosis
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / psychology
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / rehabilitation
  • Sodium Oxybate* / adverse effects
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / psychology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / rehabilitation
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia
  • Sodium Oxybate