Have we overlooked the significance of multinodal hallucinations in schizophrenia?. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toh, Wei Lin; McCarthy-Jones, Simon; Copolov, David; Rossell, Susan L.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 279(2019)
• Page Start: 358
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Auditory hallucinations -- Visual hallucinations -- Multisensory hallucinations; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Little is known about the phenomenology of multimodal hallucinations in psychosis. Multimodal hallucinations are actually more common than unimodal experiences. These include comorbid visual, tactile, olfactory and/or gustatory hallucinations. Specialised assessments must be developed for use in research and clinical practice. This will inclusively address patients' experiences and has treatment implications. Abstract: Scant research attention has been devoted to the phenomenon of multimodal hallucinations, with majority of studies focusing on auditory hallucinations (AH) in psychosis. The current study aimed to explore the frequency and characteristics of these multisensory hallucinations in a primary AH cohort. It was concluded more than half of our sample reported comorbid hallucinations in one or more sensory modes. This conveys significant research and clinical implications, in terms of steps taken for adequate assessment and intervention.