News Spokane Symptoms Tue., March 20, 2007 Investigators speculate Otto Zehm may have suffered from "excited delirium." (File Courtesy of Craig Sweat / The Spokesman-Review) Twitter Email Reddit SMS The Spokesman-Review Investigators speculate Otto Zehm may have suffered from "excited delirium." (File Courtesy of Craig Sweat / The Spokesman-Review) A controversial diagnosis, “excited delirium” is characterized by paranoia, confusion and agitation. Sufferers can exhibit sweating, great strength, shouting, resistance to pain and violent resistance.