Hallucinations are sensory experiences—auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory—that appear real but are not actually present in the environment. They can occur in various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, severe mood disorders, or delirium.
Key Points:
- Types of Hallucinations:
- Auditory (hearing voices or sounds)
- Visual (seeing shapes, people, or lights)
- Tactile (feeling sensations on or under the skin)
- Olfactory (smelling odors)
- Gustatory (tasting flavors)
- Causes: Can stem from psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, substance use, medication side effects, or high fever/infections.
- Impact on Daily Life: May cause significant distress, confusion, or impairment in functioning if persistent or severe.
- Treatment: Antipsychotic medication, addressing underlying medical causes, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions.
