glossary

delirium tremens

Definition delirium tremens

delirium tremenshol

delirium tremens a psychosis caused by *alcoholism, usually seen as a withdrawal syndrome in chronic alcoholics. Typically it is precipitated by a head injury or an acute infection causing abstinence from alcohol. Features include anxiety, tremor, sweating and vivid and terrifying visual and sensory hallucinations, often of animals and insects. Severe causes may end fatally.