Volume 2 Issues 10 October, 2021
❌ Delusions and hallucinations are one and same
✅ Delusions are disorders of thought and Hallucinations are disorders of perception. Delusion is a false, firm and fixed belief that a person holds on to even when proved otherwise, contrary to his social, educational and cultural upbringing. Hallucinations are perception without external stimuli.
❌ Delusions can be treated by proving that he / she is wrong or the belief they hold is impossible
✅ Delusions may be strengthened by such efforts. Delusions are classified under psychotic symptoms because the person has no or less insight about his illness.
❌ Delusions cannot be treated
✅ Delusions can be managed with antipsychotic medications and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). In CBT, empathetically other possible explanations for his belief are explored and the associated emotions, behaviors are modified during the therapeutic sessions.
By Dr Neha Kulkarni, Intern, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences
