Hallucinations

Paper Summary:

Hallucinations are symptoms of different disease states and conditions can occur when brain metabolism is altered from its normal level. This paper looks at the two major types of hallucinations - dissociative type and the schizophrenic type, explaining that the schizophrenic type is more prevalent in auditory hallucinations. It looks at the two major available treatments, being pharmacological treatment and psychological strategies of a behavioral type to teach patients to cope with auditory hallucinations. It discusses how psychiatric nurses can aid hallucinatory patients through pharmacological means as well as behavioral treatment. This research paper discusses several studies on the topic as well as the role of the psychiatric nurse in the care of patients with hallucinatory disorders.

From the Paper:

"Schizophrenia is a major health problem, and it is estimated that one person in 100 will become schizophrenic (Abnormal Psychology, 2000). Most schizophrenics are young adults, but it can occur at any age. The disorder occurs in all cultures, and affects men and women equally. The most common symptoms are incoherent thinking, delusions, hallucinations (primarily auditory in nature), disturbance of affect or emotional experience, and bizarre behavior. Because they are preoccupied with an inner world, schizophrenics often withdraw and cease to function effectively in the real world.
Schizophrenia is often accompanied by persistent auditory hallucinations which can be very disturbing to the patient, and sometimes become life-threatening (Buccheri, Trygstad, Kanas and Dowling, 1997, p. 20). Behavior management strategies such as self-monitoring, watching TV, listening to music through headphones, or talking with other people, along with antipsychotic medications can help these patients cope with this distressing symptom of their disease. A study carried out by Bucceri, Trygstad, Kanas and Dowling (1997) compared the effectiveness of behavior management strategies in managing auditory hallucinations. The patients were randomly assigned to the treatment or the control group. Behavior management strategies made available to the patients included: self-monitoring; reading aloud and summarizing; talking with someone; watching TV; saying "stop" and naming objects; saying "stop and go away;" listening to a cassette with headphones; listening to a relaxation tape with headphones; wearing an earplug in the left ear; wearing an earplug in the right ear; and humming. The control group attended a regular day-treatment group for the duration of the study (p. 22)."

More papers on Hallucinations:

• Term Paper # 7184 : "Hallucinations and Illusions"
• Case Study # 99627 : "Hypnagogic Hallucinations"
• Research Paper # 55520 : "Auditory Hallucinations"

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