What is the most probable cause of delirium tremens in a patient with a history of alcohol use?

Delirium tremens is a severe manifestation of alcohol withdrawal that typically occurs in individuals who have developed a dependence on alcohol and then suddenly reduce or stop their intake. The condition is characterized by confusion, disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability, and it often develops 48 to 96 hours after the last drink.

In the context of a patient with a known history of alcohol use, the most probable cause of delirium tremens is alcohol withdrawal. This is because, after periods of heavy drinking, the body becomes reliant on the presence of alcohol to maintain normal neurological function. When alcohol consumption ceases, the body experiences a hyperadrenergic state, resulting in the symptoms associated with delirium tremens.

The other options listed do not typically lead to the severe symptoms seen in delirium tremens. Acute stress disorder can cause significant distress and other psychological symptoms, but it is not associated with the physiological disturbances seen in alcohol withdrawal. Panic disorder primarily involves episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can lead to physiological symptoms but does not cause the delirium associated with withdrawal. Histrionic personality disorder is a behavioral condition characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking but does not precipitate the acute medical illness of delirium