What is it?

Delirium Tremens (DT for short) is a potentially fatal disease caused by the withdrawal from alcohol usage. Its occurance is related to long periods of excessive alcohol abuse, previous seizures, prior incidents of DT, etc.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may vary from mild (like insomnia, irritability, nausea/vomiting, gastritis, pancreatitis) to severe (hallucinations, delusions, severe agitations) up to life-threatening ( seizures). The symptoms usually start between 6 to 48 hours after the last alcoholic drink.

What is the treatment?

Patients need to be kept calm, if necessary sedated. Patients with severe DT need to be hospitalized. Patients with a chronic drinking problem need to be treated by a psychiatrist . The treatment will consist of medication, monitoring and rehabilitation. For permanent and long term success the continued cooperation of the surrounding family members is essential.