HARCP Archives

Browse by article

Browse by volume

Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2024, 26, 63

Alcohol Hallucinosis has its distinct entity, or is it a predisposing condition to Delirium Tremens or Major Psychotic Disorder?

Usman Riaz

Digital Object Identifier:
https://doi.org/10.62401/2531-4122-2024-63

Summary: Alcoholic hallucinosis is a rare complication of chronic alcohol use characterised by predominantly auditory hallucinations that occur either during or after a period of heavy alcohol consumption. Classically, it develops as part of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The prevalence of acute alcoholic hallucinosis ranks second among alcohol-related psychoses after alcohol delirium. Bleuler (1916) termed the condition as alcoholic hallucinosis is a rare complication of chronic alcohol use characterised by predominantly auditory hallucinations that occur either during or after a period of heavy alcohol consumption. Classically, it develops as part of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Bleuler (1916) termed the condition as alcohol hallucinosis and differentiated it from Delirium Tremens. Usually, it presents with acoustic verbal hallucinations, delusions and mood disturbances arising in clear consciousness and sometimes may progress to a chronic form mimicking schizophrenia. The relevant information concerning the history of acute alcoholic hallucinosis, its pathogenesis, clinical picture, and treatment approaches was systematised and summarised. One such case with auditory hallucinations, paranoia, and mood symptoms in a patient on Methadone maintenance who also suffered from Alcohol use disorder is presented here. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and e-Library.

Keywords: AH (Alcohol hallucinosis); DT’s (Delirium Tremens); AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder); Methadone treatment