Delirium tremens is best described as which of the following?

• A. Mild anxiety during withdrawal
• B. A side effect of antipsychotic medications
• C. A chronic form of depression
• D. Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like shaking, confusion, and hallucinations

Answer: (D)

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal, with pronounced tremors, agitation, confusion, and perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations, often accompanied by autonomic instability (rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating). It typically begins about 48 to 72 hours after the last drink in someone with long-term, heavy alcohol use and requires urgent medical care in a hospital setting. Treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient with benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and reduce agitation, along with thiamine to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy and correction of electrolytes and fluids.

This description—severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like shaking, confusion, and hallucinations—best fits delirium tremens. The other options describe conditions or effects that are not aligned with this life-threatening withdrawal state.