Pseudohallucinations

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Term

Pseudohallucinations are a qualitative disorder of perception. It is characterized by the insight of the subject (the subject is aware that these are deceptive perceptions), which distinguishes pseudohallucinations from (so-called true) hallucinations. They often appear after taking lower to medium doses of psychedelics or other hallucinogensLSD, Psilocybin, Ketamine, Mezkalin and others. From so-called true hallucinations originating on a base of psychotic disorders (endocrinological, neurological, vascular or other etiologies), or intoxication with deliriogens (tropane alkaloids, etc.) is distinguished by at least a partial insight (important in dif. dg. intoxicated patient with susp. F1X.0 vs. F2X).

However, pseudohallucinations are not necessarily a pathological phenomenon. They appear even in otherwise completely healthy individuals during usual activities. Such experiences arise, for example, at the moment of falling asleep (hypnagogic pseudohallucinations) or waking up (hypnexagogic pseudohallucinations).

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Related articles

Hallucinations
Hallucinogens

References

RABOCH, Jiří a Petr ZVOLSKÝ, c2001. Psychiatrie. Praha: Galén. ISBN 80-726-2140-8.