Alcohol withdrawal can progress to delirium tremens if untreated. Which symptoms are associated with early or moderate withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal can progress to delirium tremens if untreated. Which symptoms are associated with early or moderate withdrawal?

• A. Autonomic hyperactivity, tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting
• B. Mania
• C. Hyperphagia
• D. Sedation

Answer: (A)

Understanding how withdrawal symptoms unfold helps identify the early stage. In the initial phase after the last drink, the body shows rebound autonomic hyperactivity along with physical symptoms: a faster heart rate, sweating, tremors, and feelings of anxiety, plus nausea and vomiting. These signs reflect the nervous system rebounding from alcohol’s depressant effects and mark mild to moderate withdrawal, before more severe confusion or agitation set in. Mania, hyperphagia, and sedation don’t fit this early withdrawal pattern. Mania is a mood disorder state, not a withdrawal symptom. Hyperphagia isn’t typical of alcohol withdrawal, and sedation isn’t characteristic here; withdrawal tends to involve arousal and agitation rather than drowsiness.

Understanding how withdrawal symptoms unfold helps identify the early stage. In the initial phase after the last drink, the body shows rebound autonomic hyperactivity along with physical symptoms: a faster heart rate, sweating, tremors, and feelings of anxiety, plus nausea and vomiting. These signs reflect the nervous system rebounding from alcohol’s depressant effects and mark mild to moderate withdrawal, before more severe confusion or agitation set in.

Mania, hyperphagia, and sedation don’t fit this early withdrawal pattern. Mania is a mood disorder state, not a withdrawal symptom. Hyperphagia isn’t typical of alcohol withdrawal, and sedation isn’t characteristic here; withdrawal tends to involve arousal and agitation rather than drowsiness.