Delirium tremens in the context of "Alcoholism"

⭐ In the context of Alcoholism, Delirium tremens is considered…

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⭐ Core Definition: Delirium tremens

Delirium tremens (DTs; lit. 'mental disturbance with shaking') is a rapid onset of confusion caused by withdrawal from alcohol. DT typically occurs 48–72 hours after the last use of alcohol and symptoms last 1–8 days. Typical symptoms include nightmares, confusion, disorientation, heavy sweating, elevated heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations are also common. DT can be fatal especially without treatment. Occasionally, a very high body temperature or seizures (colloquially known as "rum fits") may result in death. Other causes of death include respiratory failure and cardiac arrhythmias.

Delirium tremens typically occurs only in people with a high intake of alcohol for prolonged periods of time, followed by sharply reduced intake. A similar syndrome may occur with benzodiazepine and barbiturate withdrawal, however the term delirium tremens is reserved for alcohol withdrawal. In a person with delirium tremens, it is important to rule out other associated problems such as electrolyte abnormalities, pancreatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis.

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👉 Delirium tremens in the context of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is the continued drinking of alcohol despite it causing problems. Some definitions require evidence of dependence and withdrawal. Problematic alcohol use has been mentioned in the earliest historical records. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated there were 283 million people with alcohol use disorders worldwide as of 2016. The term alcoholism was first coined in 1852, but alcoholism and alcoholic are considered stigmatizing and likely to discourage seeking treatment, so diagnostic terms such as alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence are often used instead in a clinical context. Other terms, some slurs and some informal, have been used to refer to people affected by alcoholism such as tippler, sot, drunk, drunkard, dipsomaniac and souse.

Alcohol is addictive, and heavy long-term use results in many negative health and social consequences. It can damage all organ systems, but especially affects the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system. Heavy usage can result in trouble sleeping, and severe cognitive issues like dementia, brain damage, or Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. Physical effects include irregular heartbeat, impaired immune response, cirrhosis, increased cancer risk, and severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.

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Delirium tremens in the context of Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a set of symptoms that can occur following a reduction in or cessation of alcohol use after a period of excessive use. Symptoms typically include anxiety, shakiness, sweating, vomiting, fast heart rate, and a mild fever. More severe symptoms may include seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs); which can be fatal in untreated patients. Symptoms start at around 6 hours after the last drink. Peak incidence of seizures occurs at 24 to 36 hours and peak incidence of delirium tremens is at 48 to 72 hours.

Alcohol withdrawal may occur in those who are alcohol dependent. This may occur following a planned or unplanned decrease in alcohol intake. The underlying mechanism involves a decreased responsiveness of GABA receptors in the brain. The withdrawal process is typically followed using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scale (CIWA-Ar).

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Delirium tremens in the context of Alcoholic hallucinosis

Alcoholic hallucinosis is a complication of alcohol misuse in people with alcohol use disorder. It can occur during acute intoxication or withdrawal with the potential of having delirium tremens. Alcohol hallucinosis is a rather uncommon alcohol-induced psychotic disorder almost exclusively seen in chronic alcoholics who have many consecutive years of severe and heavy drinking during their lifetime. Alcoholic hallucinosis develops about 12 to 24 hours after the heavy drinking stops suddenly, and can last for days. It involves auditory and visual hallucinations, most commonly accusatory or threatening voices. The risk of developing alcoholic hallucinosis is increased by long-term heavy alcohol abuse and the use of other drugs. Descriptions of the condition date back to at least 1907.

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LINKED FROM (PARENTS)
← Alcoholism ← Alcohol use disorder ← Alcohol withdrawal ← Alcohol withdrawal syndrome ← Alcoholic hallucinosis ← Alcohol Use Disorder
LINKS TO (CHILDREN)
Delirium → Alcohol withdrawal syndrome → Hyperthermia → Seizure → Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome → Barbiturate withdrawal → Electrolyte abnormalities → Pancreatitis → Alcoholic hepatitis →