Complicated alcohol abstinence (delirium tremens)

Alternative names:

DT's

Definition:

A disorder involving sudden and severe mental changes (psychosis) or neurologic changes (including seizures) caused by stopping the use of alcohol.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Complicated alcohol abstinence (delirium tremens) occurs in approximately 1 out of 10,000 people. Risks include an alcoholic binge period where alcohol use is heavy and intake of food is inadequate. It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy use of alcohol. It is most common in people who have a history of experiencing alcohol withdrawal state when alcohol is stopped, especially in those who have an alcohol intake equivalent to 7 to 8 pints of beer (or 1 pint of "hard" alcohol) per day for several months, and in those with a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism that has existed for more than 10 years.

Symptoms occur because of the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain and nervous system. They may be severe and progress rapidly.