An acute organic mental disorder resulting from a recent cessation or reduction in alcohol consumption with the essential characteristic being delirium: "Alcohol withdrawal delirium is an autonomic hyperactivity; that is, tachycardia (fast heart beat), sweating, and elevated blood pressure is also present. It was formerly called delirium tremens."

"Another characteristic of alcohol withdrawal delirium includes 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."