Delirium Tremens

Excerpt

Alcohol use disorder is a common condition that has been associated with severe impairments in social functioning and medical problems. As high as 20% of the population have been noted to exhibit alcohol overuse during their lifespan. More than 50% of those with a history of alcohol use disorder can exhibit alcohol withdrawal symptoms at discontinuing or decreasing their alcohol use. However, only a few (3% to 5%) exhibit symptoms of severe alcohol withdrawal with profound confusion, autonomic hyperactivity, and cardiovascular collapse. This is defined as alcohol withdrawal delirium, more commonly known as delirium tremens (DT).

Delirium tremens was first recognized as a disorder attributed to excessive alcohol use in 1813. It is now commonly known to occur as early as 48 hours after abrupt cessation of alcohol in those with chronic use and can last up to 5 days. It has an anticipated mortality of up to 37% without appropriate treatment. It is crucial to identify early signs of withdrawal because it can become fatal.