Virtual delirium tremens

VDT stands for "virtual" delirium tremens, in the fictional world of The Matrix series.

Conventional, real-world delirium tremens (colloquially, the DTs, "the horrors", "the shakes" or "rum fits") is a condition usually associated with complete alcohol withdrawal. However, delirium tremens can appear after a rapid reduction in the amount of alcohol being consumed by heavy drinkers, and also occurs as a complication of benzodiazepine and barbiturate withdrawal. It only occurs in individuals with a history of constant, long-term alcohol consumption. Delirium tremens typically manifests about 18 to 24 hours after discontinuation of alcohol consumption, but can appear on the second or third day of abstinence.

The symptoms include severe, uncontrollable tremors of the extremities and intense hallucinations such as insects, snakes or rats. These may be related to the environment, e.g., drawings on wallpaper that the patient would perceive as giant spiders ready to attack her or him. Unlike hallucinations associated with schizophrenia, delirium tremens hallucinations are primarily visual, but associated with tactile hallucinations such as sensations of something crawling on the subject. Other symptoms include agitation, confusion and the associated alcohol withdrawal fits. Secondary symptoms can be anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia.

In the world of The Matrix series, Zionists (real-world humans fighting the machines that have enslaved the vast majority of humanity who are keep contained in the Matrix) who are completely submerged into a virtual environment could suffer virtual delirium tremens, or withdrawal symptons from leaving the virtual environment.

In the film The Matrix Revolutions, the character of Maggie uses the term VDTs when asked about the status of Ian Bliss, whose real-world bbody is under control of Agent Smith

The Hammer's infirmary Essie Davis: Thought you could use something to eat. Trinity (The Matrix) Thank you. Essie Davis: Any change? Trinity (The Matrix) No. How's he (referring to Ian Bliss)? Essie Davis: He's going to be fine, at least until he wakes up. Trinity (The Matrix) What do you mean? Essie Davis: The Captain has some questions for him. He better have some good answers. You see these cuts? I think they're self-inflicted. Trinity (The Matrix) Why? Essie Davis: VDTs, maybe. I don't know. But like I said, the answer had better be good.

Essie Davis: "VDTs, maybe. I don't know. But like I said, the answer had better be good."