Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good, with symptoms decreasing over hours to days. However, it is important not to overlook any serious health disorder as the cause of an acute organic psychosyndrome.
Duration
It is not possible to define exactly how long a continuity syndrome usually lasts, since the duration of the symptoms often also depends on the age of the patient and the severity of the previously performed surgery. In some cases, the delirium caused may be only mildly pronounced, so that often no special treatment is necessary. The patient is observed and cared for, and after a few days the symptoms may spontaneously regress.
If a more pronounced transitional syndrome is present in an older patient, the symptoms can last up to several weeks. In this case it is important to carry out an appropriate therapy to prevent further complications. Of course, it is essential to prevent the psychoses from persisting permanently and not turning into a chronic brain-organic syndrome. In very rare cases, a severe surgical intervention can lead to a permanent retention of the psychosis, especially in an older patient.
Summary
Transitional syndrome is a temporary state of confusion in the wake of surgical procedures and in connection with inpatient treatment of patients. Those affected are restless, unconscious, disoriented, and sometimes aggressive. The severity of the symptoms fluctuates in the course of the disease.
Over hours to days the symptoms disappear by themselves, but other (dangerous) health disorders as a cause of the disturbance of consciousness can be excluded. A specific therapy of the Durchgangssyndrom is not possible, the symptoms recede by themselves within hours or days. To treat the accompanying physical symptoms, a drug such as clonidine can be administered, which has a dampening effect on the autonomic nervous system.
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