Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam 2026 - Free Psychiatry Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals who have developed a dependence on alcohol. This condition is characterized by a rapid onset of confusion, severe agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability (such as increased heart rate and blood pressure). It typically manifests 48 to 96 hours after the last alcoholic beverage and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The presence of delirium tremens is a critical indicator of the seriousness of alcohol withdrawal and requires immediate medical attention, often including the use of benzodiazepines and supportive care. The recognition of delirium tremens as a severe withdrawal symptom highlights the dangers of alcohol dependence and the need for appropriate management to ensure patient safety.

While hallucinations can occur during withdrawal and are a feature of delirium tremens, they can also appear in other contexts. Panic attacks may arise in individuals withdrawing from alcohol, particularly if they are predisposed to anxiety disorders. Recurrent depressive episodes can also occur in individuals with a history of mood disorders, but they are not directly a withdrawal symptom in the way that delirium tremens is. Thus, delirium tremens stands out as the most directly associated symptom with alcohol withdrawal.