Personality and Psychological Factors in Postcardiotomy Delirium

One hundred forty-two patients were observed through their openheart surgery experiences. Preoperative psychiatric ratings and psychological tests of personality were obtained as well as physical and operative data. Twenty-five percent developed a postcardiotomy delirium following a lucid interval and 6% an immediate organic brain syndrome apparent immediately on awakening from anesthesia. It was suggested that postcardiotomy delirium be viewed as a psychosomatic syndrome. There was evidence that beyond the influence of physical and operative variables, a high degree of psychological activity and dominance may contribute to delirium. Further, a group seen by the research team had half the delirium incidence of a comparable group not seen, suggesting that such intervention has a prophylactic-therapeutic function. Prior investigations showing a relationship between delirium and physical and operative variables were confirmed.