UQx PSYC1030.3x 2.3.4 Hallucinations

Summary

This script delves into the symptom of hallucinations in schizophrenia, which are false sensory experiences that feel real but are not. Auditory hallucinations, often hearing derogatory voices, are the most prevalent. It distinguishes between internal thoughts and external auditory hallucinations. The script also covers less common sensory hallucinations like visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile, emphasizing the importance of ruling out organic causes before attributing them to schizophrenia.

Takeaways

• 👂 Hallucinations in schizophrenia are false sensory experiences that can occur through any of the five senses.
• 🗣️ Auditory hallucinations, particularly hearing voices, are the most common type experienced by individuals with schizophrenia.
• 💬 The voices heard during auditory hallucinations are often derogatory and negative, causing distress to the individual.
• 🤔 It's crucial to differentiate between auditory hallucinations and internal thoughts or self-talk.
• 👁️ Visual hallucinations, which involve seeing things that aren't there, can also occur but should prompt consideration of organic brain disease.
• 👃 Olfactory hallucinations involve the sense of smell, where a person perceives odors that do not exist.
• 👅 Gustatory hallucinations pertain to the sense of taste, creating the false experience of tasting something that isn't present.
• 👋 Tactile hallucinations involve the sense of touch, such as feeling something crawling on or under the skin when it isn't there.
• 🏥 For any type of hallucination, it's important to rule out organic causes before attributing them to a psychotic illness like schizophrenia.
• 🧠 The possibility of an organic cause should be considered and investigated with appropriate medical examinations, such as an MRI.

Q & A

What are hallucinations in the context of schizophrenia?

Hallucinations in schizophrenia are disturbances of perception where a person experiences false sensory experiences, believing they are experiencing something through one of the five senses when they are not.

How do hallucinations typically affect individuals with schizophrenia?

Hallucinations are typically very distressing for individuals with schizophrenia because they feel as real as actual experiences, regardless of whether they involve hearing, seeing, or feeling something that is not really there.

Which sense is most commonly affected by hallucinations in schizophrenia?

The auditory sense is the most common sensory modality affected by hallucinations in schizophrenia, with the most common type being the experience of hearing voices.

What is the typical nature of the voices heard in auditory hallucinations?

The voices heard in auditory hallucinations are typically derogatory and negative towards the person experiencing them, often saying mean things like 'he's worthless' or 'he's useless.'

How can one differentiate between thoughts and auditory hallucinations?

The key difference between thoughts and auditory hallucinations is whether the individual feels the words are coming from inside or outside their own mind. Thoughts are internal, while auditory hallucinations feel external.

Can hallucinations occur in senses other than hearing?

Yes, hallucinations can occur in any of the other senses, including visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile hallucinations.

What is the significance of considering organic causes for hallucinations?

It is important to consider organic causes for hallucinations because they can be a product of organic brain disease. An organic cause should be ruled out early on, even if other aspects of the person's presentation are consistent with a psychotic illness.

What is an example of an olfactory hallucination mentioned in the script?

An example of an olfactory hallucination is a 27-year-old woman experiencing the smell of burning human flesh, which was not actually present.

How are gustatory hallucinations experienced?

Gustatory hallucinations involve the sense of taste, where a person experiences tasting something that they are not actually tasting, such as food tasting rotten to them while others eating the same food find it fine.

What is a common example of a tactile hallucination?

A common tactile hallucination is the sensation of something crawling on or under the skin, like maggots or cockroaches, when no such physical contact is occurring.

Why is it crucial to exclude organic causes before attributing hallucinations to schizophrenia?

It is crucial to exclude organic causes before attributing hallucinations to schizophrenia to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Organic causes may require different interventions compared to those for schizophrenia.