ABSTRACT
Given that individuals with excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) are confused or delirious, agitated, combative, and often destructive, law enforcement is often called on and their intervention is often necessary to mitigate the harm and damage that these persons may do to themselves or others. Many fatal cases of ExDS do occur while in police custody and generally involve some degree of struggle with medical staff or law enforcement followed by physical restraint. Cases of ExDS in patients with mental illness are likely uncommon due to the widespread use of medications that help treat clinical conditions by regulating these neurotransmitters, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. Cases that involve mental illness appear to be more prevalent in individuals who abruptly discontinue their psychiatric medications. Rarely, cases of ExDS do occur in new-onset, untreated psychiatric illness with psychotic or manic features.
