week 7 - psychotic disorders

Question 1

Hallucinations

Answer 1

• Sensory experiences in the absence of sensory stimulation
• Usually the most distressing aspect of psychosis.
• Experienced by over 60% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia
• They are very real to people- pervasive and compelling
• Leads to Paranoia

Question 2

5 types of hallucinations

Answer 2

• olfactory
• auditory
• gustatory
• somatic/tactile
• visual

Question 3

Visual hallucinations

Answer 3

Seeing things which are not present and do not reconcile with the physical reality

Content of the hallucination may be anything including:

• Shapes
• Colours
• Flashes of light
• Often people

Question 4

Auditory Hallucinations

Answer 4

The perception of sound without outside stimulus
Most common type of hallucination reported in mental health disorders

Can include:

• voices
• music
• sounds e.g., “taps”; “bells”

Question 5

Olfactory Hallucinations

Answer 5

Smelling odours that are not really present

Most common olfactory hallucinations are usually unpleasant smells including:

• rotting flesh
• vomit
• urine
• faeces
• smoke

Question 6

Gustatory hallucinations

Answer 6

• The perception of taste without a stimulus
• Usually, the experience is unpleasant.
• For instance, an individual may complain of a persistent taste of metal
• More commonly seen in some medical disorders

Question 7

Somatic/tactile hallucinations

Answer 7

The illusion of tactile sensory input, simulating the skin or other organs

Often associated with drug/alcohol withdrawal