Using videotape to treat alcoholics with delirium tremens
Alcoholics who watch themselves after a bout of delirium tremens (DTs; a potentially fatal form of alcohol withdrawal), have less severe relapses and consume less alcohol.
Here are the details.
- 60 patients with at least 3 years of severe alcohol dependence were videotaped during the acute phase of DTs.
- Both groups received the same treatment.
- Later, some got to watch themselves on tape with a narration by a psychiatrist, while others did not.
And the results.
- Patients who watched themselves on videotape had significantly lower relapse rates during the following 3 months.
- They also drank less alcohol.
During my residency at the Kansas City General Hospital and later at the Truman Medical Center, I participated in the treatment of lots of alcoholics with DTs. It’s pretty gross, and I guess when given a chance, the patients agree it is not their finest moment.
4/19/07 17:12 JR