QUESTION.
Delirium tremens is characterized by confusion associated with:
1. Autonomic hyperactivity and tremors.
2. Features of intoxication due to alcohol.
3. Sixth nerve palsy.
4. Korsakoff psychosis.
Answer
1. Autonomic hyperactivity and tremors.
Reference
A Short Textbook of Psychiatry by Ahuja 4 ed Page No 36
Quality
Reader
Status
New
QTDF
Ahuja
Discussion
Delirium Tremens (DT) is the most severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome. It
occurs usually within 2-4days of complete or significant abstinence from heavy
alcohol drinking in 5 % of the patients, as compared to acute tremulousness
which occurs in 34 % of the patients. The course is short with recovery
occurring within 3 - 7 days. This is an acute organic brain syndrome with the
characteristic features of
a) Clouding of consciousness with disorientation in time and place
b) Poor attention span and distractibility
c) Visual and Auditory hallucinations and illusion which are often vivid and
frightening. Tactile hallucinations of insects crawling over body may occur
d) Marked autonomic disturbance with tachycardia, fever, sweating, hypertension
and pupillary dilation.
e) Psychomotor agitation and ataxia
f) Insomnia, with a reversal of sleep - wake pattern.
g) Dehydration with electrolyte imbalance
Explanation
1. Autonomic hyperactivity and tremors are the features of Delirium Tremens.
2. Features of intoxication due to alcohol will not be seen in Delirium tremens.
Remember that Delirium tremens occurs in conditions of No Alcohol and not in
Alcoholic Intoxication where there are plenty of Alcohol.
3. Sixth nerve palsy is a feature of Alcoholic Intoxication.
4. Korsakoff psychosis occurs in Alcoholic Intoxication.
Comments
This question is easier to answer as choices 2,3,4 are concerned with
Alcoholic Intoxication
Tips
This question and the next one given here forms an example of the theme
couple that you so often see in All India and AIIMS question
Explanation by Dr Bruno, Author of