Guide to Hallucinations

As someone suffering from hallucinations, I realize that hallucinations, and the people that experience them, are frequently misunderstood. There is so much more to a hallucination than a "false perception...involving the senses" (1). I am simply here to discuss hallucinations in a manner that anyone can understand- no psychiatrists necessary.

What is a hallucination? According to the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary, a hallucinations "involve sensing things that aren't there while a person is awake and conscious." Wacky dreams do not count. Basically, a hallucination is some sort of a perception that occurs without a stimulus. Hallucinations can involve sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Hearing voices, feeling a crawling sensation on the skin, or seeing shapes or objects commonly occur (3).

Hallucinations are not always related to mental illness. For example, someone grieving over a loved one may briefly see that person or hear his or her voice (3). Hallucinations can also be caused by stress and certain medications (2). However, hallucinations are commonly associated with some psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia, psychotic depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (3). Other causes of hallucinations include use of recreational drugs, alcohol, fever, delirium or dementia, and severe illness (3).

Hallucinations have often been reserved for the mentally ill, but one study conducted from 1996 to 1999 indicates the the general population may have higher than expected numbers experiencing hallucinations. The survey of over 13,000 people found that 38.7% of the people surveyed experienced some sort of hallucination (4).

Someone experiencing a hallucination may ask: When is it time to go to a hospital? In all honesty, an individual experiencing a hallucination should not be left alone, just in case he or she becomes detached from reality. When an individual completely disconnects from reality, it is definitely time to seek immediate medical help (3).

When treating hallucinations, it is important to treat the underlying cause. Treatment may involve medications, such as antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants. In some cases, surgery may be the best option. In other instance, talk therapy or substance abuse therapy may prove the most beneficial method of treatment (2).

Experiencing a hallucination can be an intense and frightening experience, but it does not make a person crazy or insane. Hallucinations can strike almost anyone, as there is no current evidence that supports hallucinations favoring a race or a gender (2). Despite society's tendency to joke about hallucinations, the real phenomena is no laughing matter.

1. Alzheimer's Association. "Hallucinations." 2009. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_hallucinations.asp

2. Answers.com. "Hallucination." 2009. http://www.answers.com/topic/hallucination

3. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. "Hallucinations." 6 February 2008. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003258.htm

4. Ohayon, Maurice M. "Prevalence of hallucinations and their pathological associations in the general population." Psychiatry Research. Vol. 97.2. p. 153-164. 27 December 2000. http://www.psy-journal.com/article/S0165-1781(00)00227-4/abstract