Types of Hallucinations
A hallucination can involve any of the five senses.
That means that perceptions can be felt through the ears, eyes, skin, nose, or tongue.
Auditory Hallucinations
These hallucinations occur when a person perceives sounds that are not actually present.
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In some studies, auditory hallucinations are observed in between 5% and 28% of the population.
Auditory hallucinations may come in a variety of sounds.
But when the non-apparent sounds are comprised of voices, they are referred to as auditory verbal hallucinations.
These incidents are more commonly observed in older people.
Dementiasand eye/visual pathway diseases are also linked to visual hallucinations in patients.
Somatichallucinations are a variation of this condition.
Here, sensations are felt inside the body without any corresponding stimuli.
Tactile hallucinations are generally rare in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Olfactory and Taste Hallucinations
Hallucinations of smell are observed in a significant minor of patients withschizophrenia.
These hallucinations are otherwise known asphantosmia.They occur where odors are perceived without a source present.
The most commonly reported auditory hallucinations are burnt/smoky smells.
Patients also report foul, unpleasant, spoiled, or rotten odors.
Phantom smells can reduce the quality of life in patients.
This condition has been described asintrusiveand distressing.
Olfactory hallucinations typically occur with taste or gustatory hallucinations.
However, it is possible to experience these conditions independently.
What Causes Hallucinations?
Hallucinations are often the result of a psychotic disorder or a related condition.
However, the exact mechanism behind these symptoms is less clear.
There are a few possible explanations that have been proposed.
Viral infections can also cause damage to the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs).
The direct mechanism behind this remains unclear.
Treatment of Hallucinations
Hallucinations may be managed using different approaches.
There are treatments to manage hallucinations and their impact.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
For anyone managing hallucinations, cognitive behavioral therapy is another useful tool.
Hallucinations may be the result of mental or physical conditions, and will often require active treatment.
If you experience hallucinations in any form, its important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
This diagnosis can form the basis of the appropriate management methods for the condition.
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