Perceptual Disturbances (hallucinations, delusions)

Perceptual disturbances are disruptions in how a person experiences reality. The two main types are hallucinations and delusions. Both are symptoms of psychosis, a state where perception of reality becomes distorted. These disturbances can be linked to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, or medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. They can also result from medications or substance use. Hallucinations What They Are: Hallucinations are sensory experiences that feel real but occur without an external source. Types: Auditory: Hearing voices or sounds that are not there. Visual: Seeing people, objects, or lights that don’t exist. Tactile: Feeling sensations on the skin without cause. Olfactory: Smelling odors that are not present. Pseudo-hallucinations: Recognized as internally generated, such as seeing one’s own self. Common Causes: Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, medication side effects, or drug use. Delusions What They Are: Delusions are fixed false beliefs that remain even when proven wrong. Types: Persecutory/Paranoid: Believing others are harming or targeting them. Somatic: Believing they have a physical illness or defect. Erotomanic: Believing someone, often of higher status, is in love with them. Common Causes: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other psychiatric or neurological conditions. When to Seek Help If someone is experiencing hallucinations or delusions, professional help is essential. These symptoms may signal an underlying health condition. Treatment may include medication, therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or a combination of both.