Written by Sara Bozyel
The human mind is a fascinating realm, capable of constructing intricate thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. However, there are times when this delicate balance is disrupted, leading to extreme experiences that challenge our comprehension of reality. Two such phenomena are psychosis and hallucination, which can profoundly impact an individual's perception and understanding of the world. But what are they?
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental state where an individual loses touch with reality. It is commonly associated with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (4). From a neurological perspective, psychosis involves a complex interplay of neurotransmitters and brain structures, which contribute to the altered state of consciousness (5).
(Image Credit: https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/4-things-to-know-about-psychosis-in-teenagers/.)
Neuroscience has revealed that the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for logical thinking, character development, and decision-making, plays a pivotal role in psychosis (5). When this brain region becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a distorted sense of reality. Moreover, disruptions in the limbic system, the emotional hub of the brain, contribute to the intense emotional disturbances experienced during psychotic episodes (5).
Psychosis is a multidimensional experience that encompasses various symptoms. Delusions, for instance, are false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary (6). They can range from grandiose ideas of extraordinary abilities to paranoid thoughts of persecution. Disorganized thinking is another hallmark of psychosis, making it challenging for individuals to express themselves coherently (6). This can cause communication difficulties and hinder their ability to make logical connections. The fusion of these symptoms can significantly impact an individual's perception of reality and their interactions with the world.
What is a Hallucination?
Hallucinations, on the other hand, are perceptual experiences that occur without any external stimuli (2). They can manifest through various senses, such as sight, sound, touch, smell, or taste. While hallucinations are commonly associated with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, they can also be induced by certain drugs or neurological conditions.
(Image Credit: https://neurosciencenews.com/hallucination-psychology-visual-5277/.)
Neuroscientists have discovered that hallucinations arise from disruptions in the brain's sensory processing and integration mechanisms. In cases of visual hallucinations, abnormalities in the primary visual cortex and related neural pathways can cause individuals to see objects, people, or landscapes that do not exist (3). Similarly, auditory hallucinations stem from disturbances in the auditory cortex, leading to the perception of voices or sounds that have no external source (3).
(Image Credit: https://slator.com/why-large-language-models-hallucinate-when-machine-translating-in-wild/.)
Hallucinations can take on various forms, depending on the affected sensory modality. Visual hallucinations may manifest as vivid scenes or distorted shapes, while auditory hallucinations often involve hearing voices that seem real but originate internally (1). Tactile, olfactory, and gustatory hallucinations can produce sensations of touch, smell, or taste without any external stimuli (2). These extraordinary experiences can be both captivating and distressing, as they blur the boundaries between the real and the imagined.
Psychosis and Hallucination: Two Sides of the Same Coin
While psychosis and hallucination are interconnected, they represent distinct facets of mental health conditions. Psychosis encompasses a broader range of symptoms, including disorganized thinking and impaired reality testing, whereas hallucinations specifically refer to the perception of things that are not there. Hallucinations often occur within the context of psychosis, acting as one of the pieces in the puzzle of a broader psychotic state. However, it's important to note that not all individuals experiencing hallucinations will experience psychosis.
References:
Hallucinations and hearing voices. (2021, February 3). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/hallucinations-hearing-voices/#:~:text=Hallucinations.
Hallucinations: Definition, causes, treatment & types. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23350-hallucinations.
Legg, T. J. (2019, November 15). What to know about hallucinations. Medical and health information. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327014#:~:text=Hallucinations%20can%20be%20a%20sign,long%20experience%20of%20hearing%20voices.
Overview - Psychosis. (2021, February 10). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/#:~:text=The%202%20main%20symptoms%20of,common%20hallucination%20is%20hearing%20voices.
Psychosis. (n.d.). Scottish health information you can trust | NHS inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/psychosis#:~:text=Hallucinations%20are%20where%20a%20person,are%20angry%2C%20unpleasant%20or%20sarcastic.
Understanding psychosis. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis.
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