Excited delirium is both a mental state and
physiological arousal.
Excited delirium can be caused by drug
intoxication (including alcohol) or psychiatric illness or a combination of
both. Cocaine is a well known cause of
drug induced excited delirium.
Differentiating someone in excited delirium from
someone who is simply violent is often difficult. People suffering from excited
delirium may:
·
Have unexpected strength and
endurance, apparently without fatigue
·
Show an abnormal tolerance of
pain
·
Feel hot to touch.
·
Be agitated
·
Sweat profusely
·
Be hostile
·
Exhibit bizarre behaviour and
speech
It
may only become apparent that a prisoner is suffering from excited delirium
when they suddenly collapse: beware of sudden tranquillity after frenzied
activity which may be caused by severe exhaustion, asphyxia or drug related
cardiopulmonary problems (problems with the heart and lungs).