What is alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)?

Alcohol withdrawal delirium, commonly known as delirium tremens, is characterized by significant disturbances in consciousness and cognition following the abrupt cessation or reduction of alcohol intake in someone who has been heavily dependent on alcohol. The correct response highlights the combination of delirium—an acute confusional state—along with a clouded awareness and altered perception of reality.

This condition typically manifests in severe cases of alcohol withdrawal and can include symptoms such as hallucinations, extreme agitation, and marked confusion. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency that often requires immediate intervention due to the potential for severe complications, including seizures, cardiovascular instability, and even death.

In contrast, the other choices do not fully encapsulate the severity or specific symptoms associated with delirium tremens. While severe anxiety, confusion, and agitation are aspects sometimes seen in alcohol withdrawal, they do not represent the full spectrum of symptoms related to delirium tremens, which is distinguished by its intense and pervasive effects on consciousness. Severe depression, although it may occur in individuals following withdrawal, is not a defining characteristic of delirium tremens itself.