Psychosis From Severe Alcohol Poisoning
Acute alcohol intoxication can occur after alcohol is excessively consumed during one episode. If psychosis results from this episode, it is indicative that a person may be at risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. It is critical that a person experiencing acute intoxication receive professional medical assistance as soon as possible to avoid ill effects from alcohol poisoning.
Signs of alcohol poisoning can include atypical aggression, impacted consciousness, drawn-out sessions of sleep, hallucinations, delusions, and amnesia when the episode concludes. Acute alcoholic psychosis usually concludes when alcohol is cleared out of a person’s system.
Psychosis From Alcoholic Hallucinosis
Alcoholic hallucinosis is a fairly uncommon outcome of alcohol abuse and is generally only seen in people who have a chronic alcohol use disorder. Alcoholic hallucinosis usually develops 12 to 24 hours after heavy alcohol consumption abruptly stops and can last for several days. Severe and recurrent alcohol abuse can increase the risk of developing alcoholic hallucinosis.
Psychosis from alcoholic hallucinosis is primarily characterized by auditory hallucinations, such as accusing and threatening voices, along with visual hallucinations. Delusions and mood disruptions may also occur.
Psychosis From Delirium Tremens
Psychosis from delirium tremens is a more severe diagnosis than alcoholic hallucinosis and is representative of the most critical type of alcohol withdrawal. Delirium tremens can be classified as a medical emergency, as symptoms can be life-threatening. Delirium tremens usually develops two to three days after excessive alcohol consumption concludes.
Symptoms of delirium tremens may include a significant lack of coordination, excessive sensitivity to sensory input, abrupt mood changes and elevated heart rate and respiration. Other symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations and body tremors. Seizures and alcohol withdrawal hallucinations that are extremely severe may require sedation as a part of treatment.
Delirium tremens can be potentially fatal if left untreated and requires professional medical intervention. Due to this, it is critical for people going through alcohol withdrawal to be under the supervision of medical professionals in a medical detox program.