<unk>  (colloquially, the<unk> s, "the horrors", "the shakes" or "rum fits"; afflicted individuals referred to as "jitterbugs" in 1930s Harlem slang; literally, "shaking delirium" or "trembling madness" in Latin) is an acute episode of delirium that is usually caused by withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking, or benzodiazepines or barbiturates (and other minor tranquilizers).When caused by alcohol, it occurs only in individuals with a history of constant, long-term alcohol consumption. Occurrence due to benzodiazepine or barbiturate withdrawal does not require as long a period of consistent intake of such drugs. Prior use of both tranquilizers and alcohol can compound the symptoms, and while extremely rare, is the most dangerous especially if untreated. Barbiturates are generally accepted as being extremely dangerous, both due to overdose potential and addiction potential including the extreme withdrawal syndrome that usually is marked by<unk>  upon discontinuation. Due to this, barbiturates are rarely used anymore, being replaced by the generally accepted less dangerous benzodiazepines, which however still cause a similar withdrawal syndrome. Five percent of acute ethanol withdrawal cases progress to<unk> .Unlike the withdrawal syndrome associated with opiate addiction (generally),<unk>  (and alcohol withdrawal in general) can be fatal. Mortality can be up to 35% if untreated; if treated early, death rates range from 5-15%.
Delirium tremens
Excited delirium
Encephalitis lethargica
Delirium in children
Diabetic coma
Oculogyric crisis
Metabolic encephalopathy
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome