Self-Injurious Behavior in Alcohol Withdrawal State Complicated by Delirium – A Case Series

Abstract

Regular and excessive use of alcohol can produce dependence over a period of time. Individuals who stops or reduces the alcohol use suddenly can have withdrawal symptoms ranging from tremors, altered sensorium, Delirium and seizures. Few cases of self injurious behavior were also reported during Delirium due to alcohol withdrawal. This is a rare and a severe form of inflicting injury to one's own body part, usually described in psychotic disorders, with delusions and hallucinations. The present case series describes the self injurious behavior during alcohol withdrawal complicated by Delirium.

Keywords

• alcohol dependence
• delirium
• limb amputation
• psychosis