DSM-IV: Alcohol Withdrawal

Diagnostic criteria for 291.8 Alcohol Withdrawal (new code as of 10/01/96: 291.81)
(cautionary statement)  

A. Cessation of (or reduction in) alcohol use that has been heavy and prolonged. 

B. Two (or more) of the following, developing within several hours to a few days after Criterion A: 
(1) autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100) 
(2) increased hand tremor 
(3) insomnia 
(4) nausea or vomiting 
(5) transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions 
(6) psychomotor agitation 
(7) anxiety 
(8) grand mal seizures 

C. The symptoms in Criterion B cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

D. The symptoms are not due to a general medical condition and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder. Specify if: With Perceptual Disturbances