Sodium amylobarbitone in the differential diagnosis of confusion.

The authors describe the use of intravenous sodium amylobarbitone to differentiate between functional and organic confusion. Four psychiatric patients with functional confusion developed a clear sensorium on this drug. Since previous studies have demonstrated that organic confusion is increased by sodium amylobarbitone, the authors conclude that the drug can be an aid in the differential diagnosis of confusion. They discuss possible applications.