An acute organic mental disorder due to recent cessation or reduction in alcohol consumption with the essential characteristic being delirium.

Autonomic hyperactivity; that is, tachycardia, sweating, and elevated blood pressure is also present. It was formerly called delirium tremens.

Also described as the DTs, "the horrors", "the shakes", or "rum fits"; literally, "shaking delirium" or "trembling madness" (in Latin). It is an acute episode of delirium which is usually caused by withdrawal, or abstinence, from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking.

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes.

Delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking; especially, when the person does not eat enough food.

It may also be triggered by head injury, infection, or illness in people with a history of heavy use of alcohol.

It is most common in people who have a history of alcohol withdrawal; especially, in those who drink the equivalent of seven to eight pints of beer (or one pint of "hard" liquor) every day for several months. Delirium tremens also commonly affects those with a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism that has existed for more than ten years.

Delirium tremens symptoms occur because of the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain and nervous system. They may be severe and get worse very quickly which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.