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Hallucinations
Definition:
Hallucinations are described as something sensed (whether heard, seen, smelled, or felt) that is not caused by an outside event.

Alternative Names:
Sensory hallucinations

Considerations:

A hallucination can be a symptom of many different disease states and conditions. Hallucinations result when brain metabolism is altered from its normal level. High fever, which directly affects brain metabolism, frequently produces hallucinations in children and occasionally in adults.

Psychosis may result in hallucinations, and although the underlying metabolic abnormality is not fully understood, psychosis does respond, at least partially, to chemical intervention with medications.

Marked derangement of body metabolism seen during renal failure and liver failure may, on occasion, produce hallucinations. External chemicals, such as mind-altering drugs (marijuana, psilocybin, LSD and opium), may cause profound hallucinatory experiences.

Withdrawal from medications that cause slowing of the metabolism or sedation may also result in hallucinatory experiences.
Common Causes:
  • recent death of a loved one (A hallucination of hearing or seeing a close relative or friend who has recently died is not uncommon.)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • adverse reaction or side effect of a drug
  • ingestion of a hallucinogenic substance (LSD, peyote, magic mushrooms, psilocybin, opium)
  • adverse reaction to alcohol
  • withdrawal from alcohol or other depressant drugs
  • psychosis
  • delirium
  • dementia
Home Care:
For occasional hallucinations caused by death of a loved one or other traumatic event, these should cease eventually. If hallucinations last longer than 6 weeks, see your health care provider.

For hallucinations caused by alcohol or street drug use, discontinue use and seek medical help.

For hallucinations that occur when falling asleep or on waking (common occurrences at these times), there is likely no treatment.

For hallucinations with no known cause, see a health care provider or medical health professional promptly.
Call your health care provider if:
  • hallucinations occur regularly.
  • hallucinations are unexplained.
  • hallucinations are caused by substance abuse.
  • hallucinations are accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.
  • hallucinations last longer than 4 hours.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting hallucinations in detail may include:
  • type
    • Is there a sensation of a voice (auditory)?
    • Is there a sensation of something seen (visual hallucination)?
    • Is there a sensation of something felt or touched (tactile hallucination)?
    • Is there a sensation of hearing a running commentary about the individual's thoughts or behavior?
    • Is there a sensation of two or more voices conversing with each other?
    • Is there a preoccupation with frequent auditory hallucinations (i.e., voices) related to a single theme?
  • time pattern
    • How long have hallucinations been present?
    • When did hallucinations first appear (initial onset)?
    • Do hallucinations occur just before or after sleep (hypnagogic hallucinations)?
  • aggravating or triggering factors
    • Has there been a recent death or other emotional event?
    • What medications are you taking?
    • Is alcohol used regularly?
    • Are illicit/illegal drugs being used?
    • Are the hallucinations related to a traumatic event?
  • other
The patient may be referred to a specialist for a complete nervous system (neurological) or psychological examination.

AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
You may want to add a diagnosis related to hallucinations to your personal medical record.
Review Date: 5/26/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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