Psychosomatic Medicine Tips for Better Browsing
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by VICTOR, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by VICTOR, M.

Psychosomatic Medicine 28:636-650 (1966)
© 1966 American Psychosomatic Society

Treatment of Alcoholic Intoxication and the Withdrawal Syndrome

A Critical Analysis of the Use of Drugs and Other Forms of Therapy

MAURICE VICTOR M.D.1

1 Neurology Service, Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital, and the Division of Neurology, Western Reserve University, School, Cleveland

In this article current concepts of treatment of alcoholic intoxication and withdrawal are critically evaluated. In general, writings on this subject have two main shortcomings: (1.) a failure to define what is being treated--several different clinical disorders being treated as a single disease; and (2.) a lack of awareness of the natural history of the alcoholic diseases and the marked variability in the severity and duration of symptoms. For these reasons, the alcoholic disorders are classified and defined according to their mechanisms, insofar as these are known. Deep coma due to alcoholic intoxication represents a medical emergency, the main danger being death from respiratory depression. In regard to the withdrawal syndrome, it is important to distinguish clearly between the mild forms of this disorder (tremor and hallucinosis) and delirium tremens, which may be lethal. A wide variety of drugs are useful in controlling the milder forms but practically none are effective in preventing delirium tremens or altering the duration and mortality rate of this disorder. In the management of delirium tremens the primary aims are to replace fluids and electrolytes and to anticipate and treat shock and hyperthermia, should these supervene.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Alcohol AlcoholHome page
U. Berggren, C. Fahlke, K. J. Berglund, K. Blennow, H. Zetterberg, and J. Balldin
Thrombocytopenia in Early Alcohol Withdrawal is Associated with Development of Delirium Tremens or Seizures
Alcohol Alcohol., July 1, 2009; 44(4): 382 - 386.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
B. ADINOFF
Delirium Following Cessation of Alcohol Consumption
Am J Psychiatry, November 1, 1998; 155(11): 1626s - 1626.
[Full Text]

Home page
 Arch Intern MedHome page
E. Abraham, W. C. Shoemaker, and S. F. McCartney
Cardiorespiratory Patterns in Severe Delirium Tremens
Arch Intern Med, June 1, 1985; 145(6): 1057 - 1059.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 ANN INTERN MEDHome page
E. J. KHANTZIAN and G. J. McKENNA
Acute Toxic and Withdrawal Reactions Associated with Drug Use and Abuse
Ann Intern Med, March 1, 1979; 90(3): 361 - 372.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 ScienceHome page
W. A. Pieper, M. J. Skeen, H. M. McClure, and P. G. Bourne
The Chimpanzee as an Animal Model for Investigating Alcoholism
Science, April 7, 1972; 176(4030): 71 - 73.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
D. G. Logan
Trifluoperazine in Alcoholic Hallucinosis
JAMA, October 2, 1967; 202(1): 74 - 74.
[Abstract] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1966 by the American Psychosomatic Society