Pseudohallucinations versus hallucinations: wherein lies the difference?. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wearne, Deborah; Genetti, Amanda
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 23:Number 3(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 257
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: pseudohallucinations -- hallucinations -- post-traumatic stress disorder; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856215586150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: This paper firstly explores the historical concept of pseudohallucinations and their phenomenology. It then examines the experience of hallucinosis in two subject groups, one with post-traumatic stress disorder with dissociative symptoms and the second with schizophrenia. Method: The two groups were assessed using the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale with a view to identifying differences in the hallucinatory and delusional experience. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in loudness, control, position, duration, or frequency of the voices. Delusions and negative content differed significantly, however. Conclusions: Researchers have started to describe pseudohallucinations along a continuum. We build on this dimensional approach and suggest a collaborative nomenclature for subtyping.