A Case Study of an In-Patient with Delirium Treated with Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami

Abstract

Objective: In this case study, we describe the use of Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami to treat an in-patient with delirium.Methods: An in-patient with symptoms of delirium was treated with Korean medicine therapies, including the herbal medication Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami, for 7 days. To evaluate its therapeutic effect, we used the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) and Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS).Results: After the treatment, Nu-DESC and MDAS scores improved. Of note, instances of the patient calling out improved, in addition to the patient’s sleeping pattern. Although all the symptoms of delirium did not disappear completely, Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami had therapeutic effects.Conclusion: These results suggest that Shihogayonggolmoryo-tang-gami may have a beneficial effect on delirium, without using other antipsychotic medications.