A hallucination involves perceiving sensory stimuli that aren't really present. For example, someone might hear voices that aren’t there, or see patterns that others don’t see.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hallucinations can stem from a wide array of underlying conditions, and identifying the root cause is important for developing an effective approach to treatment.
Causes of hallucinations include:
Scientists still don’t understand how hallucinations emerge in psychotic episodes or after taking drugs. With some substances, particularly LSD and psilocybin, research suggests that inhibiting the neurotransmitter serotonin may yield changes that give rise to synesthesia and other atypical sensory experiences.
Yes, scientists are beginning to uncover a few differences between the two. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders most involve auditory hallucinations, while psychedelic-induced psychosis typically involves visual distortions like seeing geometric patterns, research shows.
Support and Treatment
Treatment for hallucinations aims to target the underlying cause. If the hallucinations are due to schizophrenia or another mental health condition, treatment is typically a combination of talk therapy and antipsychotic medication, such as Risperidone, Olanzapine, or Chlorpromazine. Other causes will yield different treatments; hallucinations due to Parkinson’s disease may require an adjustment to one's medication while hallucinations due to sleep problems may involve implementing healthy sleep habits.
If a loved one is hallucinating, stay with them to help keep them safe. Assist them in seeking mental health care, and accompany them to see the doctor.
People often find themselves challenging a loved one's hallucinations, partly out of a desire to relieve their suffering, and partly out of understandable feelings of fear and helplessness. Unfortunately, this can alienate the sufferer when they most need care.
A more constructive approach is to recognize that your loved one’s psychotic symptoms are meaningful to them, while making it clear that you do not personally share in them.
Explore More About Hallucination
For a comprehensive understanding of hallucination, read our complete guide: