Symptoms of Hallucinations
Hallucinations are referred to as perceptions that occur in the absence of external stimuli. These occur when the individual is conscious and in a state of wakefulness. This essentially means that the person senses things that are not actually there. The most commonly experienced hallucinations are that of a sensation of something crawling on the skin, hearing voices when there is no one around and perceiving objects or beings that are not really present. In rare instances, hallucinations of taste and smell could also occur.
Causes of Hallucinations
Hallucinations may be commonly caused by the intake of drugs such as LSD and marijuana. Individuals who use such drugs may have visual hallucinations in which they see things such as bright patterns or haloes around sources of lights. Such individuals are aware that their ability to perceive has become distorted by the use of these drugs. Certain psychological disorders such as schizophrenia are characterized by auditory hallucinations. Such type of hallucinations may also occur as an after-effect of the intake of stimulants, amphetamines or cocaine in high doses. Stimulants usually cause the hallucination of a crawling sensation on the skin. Sometimes, individuals may see or hear a loved one that has recently passed away. This is fairly normal and may occur as a natural part of the process of grieving. High levels of fatigue and stress may also trigger off hallucinations in an individual. Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol may also have the side effect of visual and auditory hallucinations.
In addition to the abnormal perceptions, the individual experiencing a hallucination may also display rigidity in the muscles, especially around the neck and in the limbs. This stiffness of the muscles may also sometimes restrict movement and result in pain. The individual is also likely to perceive vivid images and sounds at the time of falling asleep. Balance of the body may become impaired and could persist for several years. Hallucinations as part of schizophrenia could be mild or severe. They may appear either suddenly or gradually over a period of a few months.
Hallucinations Effects
Hallucinations which cause the individual to become detached from the real world must be treated immediately as the conditions that can trigger the hallucinations can prove to be very serious. Also a person experiencing hallucinations must not be left by himself as he may become paranoid and frightened. Hallucinations that are chronic such as those caused by schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders may be treated through medication and psychosocial therapy. In such therapy, the individual is taught the skills to cope with the hallucinations. It is important to first have the cause of the hallucinations determined, so that the appropriate treatment can be administered.
