A suspect, prisoner, or psychiatric patient becomes violent. The officer or hospital staff struggle to control the person, sometimes with a choke hold or hog tying. Shortly afterward, the patient dies. This illustrates Excited Delirium Syndrome, a condition in which normal physiological changes produced by violent activity culminate in sudden cardiac death. Excited Delirium Syndrome: Cause of Death and Prevention discusses the effects of both legal medication and drugs of abuse on the cardiovascular system. The authors also discuss the effects of underlying disease and prevention of the syndrome, the role of the mental health professional, and the "high-risk" individual.

Theresa G. DiMaio (Author) , Vincent J. M. DiMaio, M.D. (Author)

Contents: INTRODUCTION TO DEATH DUE TO EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME
References
HISTORY OF EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME
Bell's Mania
Current Cases
Psychopharmacology and the Disappearance of the Chronic Form of Excited Delirium
Acute Excited Delirium
References
TRADITIONAL EXPLANATIONS FOR DEATH DUE TO EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME
Medical Examiner
Positional/Restraint Asphyxia
Neck Holds
Vasovagal Reactions (Reflex Cardiac Death)
Oleresin Capsicum
Tasers
Explaining Excited Delirium Syndrome
References
PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO STRESS
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Physiological Effects of Strenuous/Violent Physical Activity
References
EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON THE HEART, BRAIN, AND SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Cardiac Injury Due to Chronic Elevation of Blood
Catecholamine Levels
Psychotropic Drugs and Sudden Death
Miscellaneous Drugs
References
Additional References
SYNTHESIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS TO STRESS, NATURAL DISEASE, DRUGS OF ABUSE, AND MEDICATIONS IN CASES OF EXCITED DELIRIUM
References
MEDICO-LEGAL INVESTIGATION OF DEATHS DUE TO EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME
The Investigation
The Autopsy
Toxicology
Certification of Death
References
CASES OF EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME
Excited Delirium Syndrome Associated with Mental Illness and
Natural Disease
Excited Delirium Syndrome Associated with Mental Retardation and Obesity
Excited Delirium Syndrome Associated with Mental Illness and
Therapeutic Medications
Excited Delirium Syndrome Associated with Use of Cocaine
Excited Delirium Syndrome in Association with Methamphetamine
Excited Delirium Syndrome in Association with Other Drugs
PREVENTION OF EXCITED DELIRIUM SYNDROME: THE POLICE AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Introduction
The Problem
Law Enforcement
Prevention
Emergency Responders
Police and EMS at the Scene
Emergency Rooms
References
SUDDEN DEATH OF THE PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT IN MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES
Introduction
Identifying Patients Susceptible to Excited Delirium Syndrome
Preventing Sudden Death from Excited Delirium Syndrome
Overview of Preventive Measures