{"id":67,"date":"2013-03-13T13:31:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-13T13:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lidaprypchan.org\/?p=67"},"modified":"2015-07-19T20:14:48","modified_gmt":"2015-07-19T20:14:48","slug":"alcoholic-hallucinosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lidaprypchan.org\/?p=67","title":{"rendered":"ALCOHOLIC HALLUCINOSIS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Lida Prypchan<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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Very rare in its pure form, alcoholic hallucinosis, also known as hallucinatory paranoia and chronic alcoholic delirium, characteristically exhibits auditory hallucinations which generate delusions of persecution, while retaining clarity of the senses without impairment. \u00a0It differs from delirium tremens in the predominance of auditory and tactile hallucinations and clarity of consciousness; in that the prolonged abuse of alcohol as displayed among younger drinkers is not inevitable; in that it is not characteristic of those who drink spirits, hence its frequency among women, and in the lack of serious organic changes. \u00a0Some authors concur that delirium tremens and alcoholic hallucinosis are pathogenically identical. \u00a0Kraepelin concedes that the onset of delirium tremens is caused by sudden inundation of the brain by alcoholic metatoxins, whereas if there are fewer of them, they attack only the auditory centers, causing sounds of voices and slight obnubilation, a pathogenic explanation for the intensity of the delirium and the mildness of the hallucinosis. \u00a0The observations of Wolfer, Sberger and Bleuler tend to attach great importance to the schizophrenic tendency of the constitution, which is set in motion by the metabolic changes produced by alcohol. \u00a0This hypothesis has been supported in the cases of hallucinosis where the final development is clearly schizophrenic. \u00a0In hallucinosis the somatic and neurological symptoms of chronic alcoholism are imperceptible or not particularly pronounced, whereas sleep is always insufficient and never peaceful.<\/span><\/div>\n
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The main psychic symptoms are the auditory hallucinations, or voices, of one or more invisible people who talk about the subject in the third person, referring to his habits and practices and uttering true or false accusations. \u00a0In very advanced cases the subject participates in the dialogue himself. \u00a0Some of the voices speak in his favor and others against him, although in the beginning they are not too clear, more a sort of murmur. \u00a0Frequently tactile hallucinations follow next, such as being pinched or nipped. \u00a0Then come visual hallucinations in which the individual sees a person in the darkness or behind the door. \u00a0When hallucinations of coenesthesia, smell and taste occur, schizophrenia must be considered. \u00a0The hallucinations are accompanied by delusions, concerning guilt over alcoholic abuse and real or imaginary errors.<\/span><\/div>\n
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The voices present delusions of persecution, plans for escape, always senseless and passing uncriticized by the victim. \u00a0The tremendous anxiety caused by harassment from these presumed persecutors induces the victims to commit acts of self-abuse.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Clarity of their senses is preserved almost intact, although hallucinatory experiences mingle with actual perceptions. \u00a0Orientation is perfect and behavior correct, to the point of not attracting the attention of colleagues at work. \u00a0Concentration and attention appear normal, and they can carry on a lucid conversation, although from time to time they withdraw from it to attend to their voices. \u00a0Memory remains intact, proof of which is that they often relate minute details of their hallucinatory experiences and the events in their lives without tending to lie. \u00a0The predominant emotion ruling their behavior is anxiety. \u00a0Duration of alcoholic hallucinosis is somewhat longer than that of delirium tremens, between a week and three months, abstinence being indispensable for a cure.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Lastly I will dedicate a short space in commenting on a movie which impressed me both with the theme and the harshness of its portrayal. \u00a0I am referring to \u201cIronweed\u201d, with Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep, who won an Oscar for best actress instead of Cher, since Ms. Streep managed a rather difficult role which not just any actress could have done. \u00a0It is about the life of a couple of alcoholic vagrants who are reduced to poverty by their addiction. \u00a0She is a singer, successful in radio, whose downfall is caused by the temporary relief and euphoria produced by alcohol. \u00a0She ends up as a vagrant who, so as not to die of cold or be devoured by the hungry denizens of the streets, takes refuge in a man\u2019s car, the price of this sojourn being to have sex with him. \u00a0He was apparently married with children and in one of his drunken bouts returns home and accidentally causes the death of his youngest daughter and on other occasions gets involved in some disturbance or strike, causing the accidental deaths of still more people. \u00a0What is certain is that because of his alcoholic excesses he has visual hallucinations which consist in seeing all these people whom he has harmed and who ask him questions, watch and deride him. \u00a0One guesses, we are not actually shown, that both of the couple end up committing suicide.<\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0 By Lida Prypchan \u00a0 Very rare in its pure form, alcoholic hallucinosis, also known as hallucinatory paranoia and chronic alcoholic delirium, characteristically exhibits auditory hallucinations which generate delusions of persecution, while retaining clarity of the senses without impairment. \u00a0It differs from delirium tremens in the predominance of auditory and tactile hallucinations and clarity of … <\/p>\n

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