Alcoholic delirium (lat. delirium tremens) is an acute psychotic state resulting from ceasing the use alcohol.
It is expressed in the form of excessive activity of the central and autonomic nervous system, namely, disorientation, anxiety and agitation, impaired consciousness, confusion of thinking, hallucinations, as well as deterioration of the physical condition – fever, increased temperature, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, reddening of the skin, increased sweating, tremors of limbs, general weakness.
- Mostly occurs 2-3 days after stopping alcohol consumption.
- The reason is the long-term use of alcohol, for 2 weeks or more. But with a heavy medical history, “white fever” may occur even a week after use.
- Usually lasts about 3-5 days, without proper treatment has a high risk of complications and mortality.
- A person with alcoholic delirium should be urgently hospitalized in a narcology department.
- Life-threatening complications may occur:
- atrial fibrillation
- metabolic disorders
- alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- pneumonia
- stroke
- myocardial infarction
- epileptic attacks
Alcoholic delirium: diagnostic methods
The diagnosis of delirium involves, first of all, an examination by a doctor, collection of medical history and assessment of complaints and the patient’s condition. Auxiliary methods for further treatment are laboratory and instrumental methods, namely:
Laboratory methods:
- Analysis of blood plasma for the level of electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and phosphorus;
- Monitoring of glucose in the blood plasma to control the sugar level;
- Determination of narcotic substances and their metabolites in blood plasma and/or urine.
Instrumental methods:
- Determining the ppm level using a dredger.
- Computer tomography of the brain in case of injuries or disorders of cerebral circulation.
- Subarachnoid puncture for differential diagnosis with cerebral hemorrhage and infectious brain damage.
- Gastroscopy and ultrasound of abdominal organs in case of complaints and suspicion of bleeding.
Treatment for alcoholic psychosis
The main task in alcoholic psychosis is:
- reduction of agitation
- sedation
- avoidance of convulsions
- prevention of injuries and critical conditions
Due to the high risk of psychomotor agitation and potential threat to life, treatment in specialized medical institutions is the most appropriate.
It is necessary to ensure constant medical monitoring of the patient and conduct a comprehensive clinical examination to identify possible concomitant diseases.
- Patients with alcoholic psychosis are provided with supportive care, assessing the condition and functions of the body.
- Medical personnel carry out observations during the treatment process, namely, monitor the degree of narrowing of consciousness, control the orientation of the patient in relation to time, place and person.
- The doctor monitors the acid-base balance, as well as signs of dehydration and provides appropriate therapy.
- To reduce agitation and improve sleep, patients are prescribed sedative drugs in the form of intravenous and oral administration.
- Treatment is carried out under the control of indicators of vital functions until the restoration of a stable state, which usually occurs within 3-5 days.
Prevention of alcoholic delirium
The prevention of the occurrence of “white fever” is a complete refusal of alcoholic beverages.
In order to maintain sobriety, the medical center “Transformation” offers: coding from alcohol – administration of an alcohol blocker by injection or “binders from alcohol“, outpatient treatment – cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, gestalt therapy, treatment of accompanying mental disorders under the supervision of a narcologist-psychiatrist .
