How terrifying are the hallucinations of mental illness

The hallucinations of mental illness may bring strong feelings of fear and distorted experiences of reality, commonly seen in diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The severity of hallucinations varies from person to person and is mainly related to the type of hallucination, the authenticity of the content, and the patient's cognitive ability.

1. Perceived distortion

Illusions can make patients perceive non-existent sounds, images, or tactile sensations, such as hearing abusive hallucinations or seeing terrifying images. This type of experience may trigger intense emotional reactions, and patients may lose control of their behavior due to the inability to distinguish between reality and hallucinations. Some patients may develop a tendency towards self harm or aggression due to persistent auditory hallucinations, especially under the domination of command auditory hallucinations, with a higher risk.

2. Reality disintegration

Patients may lose their basic judgment of reality and view hallucinatory content as a real threat. The hallucinations accompanied by delusions of persecution can lead to excessive alertness, manifested as defensive responses such as hiding and calling the police. Some patients may experience logical confusion due to hallucinations, such as believing that the instructions in the hallucinations are sacred, leading to abnormal religious behavior.

3. Emotional shock

Horror hallucinations may trigger sustained anxiety or panic attacks, and patients may experience physiological reactions such as palpitations and sweating. Some auditory hallucinations involve past traumatic memories, which may trigger post-traumatic stress responses. Long term sufferers of hallucinations may experience emotional numbness, manifested as avoidance and isolation from real emotional experiences.

4. Social dysfunction

hallucinations may lead patients to avoid socializing and self isolate due to fear of others noticing abnormalities. Work ability may significantly decrease due to hallucinations occupying attention, and some patients may be unable to complete basic tasks. Interpersonal relationship damage is common in situations where relationship delusions are accompanied by hallucinations, and patients may baselessly suspect family and friends and cut off contact.

5. Somatic response

Long term hallucinations may lead to physiological problems such as insomnia and appetite disorders. Some patients may experience physical symptoms related to hallucinations, such as skin burning or crawling sensation due to phantom touch. Continuous mental stress may lead to a decline in immune function and an increased likelihood of physical illness. For patients with psychotic hallucinations, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and receive standardized treatment as soon as possible. Drug therapy such as risperidone, olanzapine, and other antipsychotic drugs can effectively control symptoms, and when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help distinguish between reality and hallucinations. Family members should maintain a quiet and stable environment, avoid reinforcing the patient's delusional content, and pay attention to preventing self harm or impulsive behavior. Regular sleep and moderate exercise can help alleviate anxiety, but rehabilitation training should be conducted under the guidance of professional personnel.