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 characterized by tachycardia (fast heart beat), sweating, and elevated blood pressure. 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).

Alcohol withdrawal delirium is an acute episode of delirium which is usually caused by abstinence, from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking.

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal that involves sudden and severe mental or neurological changes: Alcohol withdrawal delirium tremens can occur after a period of heavy alcohol drinking, especially when the person does not eat enough food.

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

Alcohol withdrawal delirium tremens 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. Alcohol withdrawal delirium tremens also commonly affects those with a history of habitual alcohol use or alcoholism that has existed for more than ten years.

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

The treatment of alcohol withdrawal delirium tremens includes observation, comfort care, and in some cases medication.