The difference between hallucinations and delusions is very significant. However, hallucination and delusions are often considered the same. Moreover, they are both psychiatric symptoms that often occur in chronic mental disorders.
In fact, they refer to very different experiences. Especially in the context of individual perception and belief. Let’s discuss the differences between hallucinations and delusions in full. Including definitions, examples and their relationship to mental disorders.
Know the Difference Between Hallucinations and Delusions
Let’s start the discussion by understanding each of the definitions first. Basically, hallucinations are perceptual experiences that occur without any real external stimulation.
In other words, someone with a hallucination disorder feels or sees something. But actually it doesn’t exist in the real world. Hallucinations can involve the five human senses, such as sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste.
For example, auditory hallucinations where someone might hear voices. While normal people are unable to hear them. Someone can also see objects or people who are not around them.
Meanwhile, delusions are beliefs or thoughts that are wrong and not in accordance with reality. This belief persists even though there is evidence or arguments to the contrary. Delusions often involve misunderstandings about situations, self-identity or feelings about the world around them.
For example, someone believes that they have extraordinary powers. For example, famous figures, presidents or gods. There are also people who believe that they are being persecuted by others. In fact, there is no such threat. Delusions themselves usually occur in people with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia to bipolar in the manic phase.
Main Comparison of Hallucinations with Delusions
From the explanation above, we can break down a number of differences between hallucinations and delusions. Some of the main differences between these two mental health symptoms include:
1. Type of Disorder
Hallucinations are closely related to sensory perception. Where someone feels or sees something that is not actually there. Hallucinations are more directed at disturbances in the sensory process. On the other hand, delusions tend to be disorders of cognition or thinking or mistaken beliefs. This means they tend to focus on unrealistic beliefs or judgments.
2. Sense Involvement
Hallucination disorders involve one or more of the human senses. Such as hearing, sight, feeling or smell. While delusions have nothing to do with it at all. In this case, hallucinations can provide support for delusional beliefs. Thus worsening a person’s mental condition.
3. Objective Facts
The next difference between hallucinations and delusions is objective facts. Where hallucinations refer to a person’s experience may be very real to him. However, there is still no objective evidence. As for delusions, they persist even though there is clear evidence that contradicts the belief.
Causes and Risk Factors
Although they have differences, the factors that cause hallucinations and delusions are relatively the same. One of them is the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or certain prescription drugs can trigger hallucinations and delusions.
Sometimes, mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar affect greatly. In fact, medical conditions such as dementia, brain infections or nerve damage due to trauma can worsen the condition.
Not to mention if there is extreme psychological stress. So that it can cause disturbances in perception and thinking. So is family history. If there is a family with certain mental disorders, it can increase a person’s risk of experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
Handling and Treatment
Treatment for hallucinations and delusions depends on the underlying cause. Some of these common treatments explained on YouTube PCLA include:
- Medical treatment with antipsychotic drugs is essential for treating hallucinations and delusions, especially in schizophrenia.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals recognize and overcome delusions and learn to manage hallucinations.
- In more severe cases, patients may require hospitalization for more intensive medical monitoring.
Overall, the difference between hallucinations and delusions is very significant. It is important to distinguish between the two in the context of medical diagnosis. Because both require different treatments.
