The Phenomenological Diversity of Hallucinations: Some theoretical and clinical implications
Psychologica Belgica March 1, 2006 DOI: 10.5334/pb-46-1-2-163 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 52 |
| Key points | Argues that previous theoretical accounts of hallucinations proposing an exclusively externalising bias do not integrate the full phenomenological diversity of hallucinations, and contends that considering this diversity has clinical implications such as improving patient-clinician relations and individualising treatment. |
Abstract
Hallucinations are complex psychopathological phenomena. Nevertheless, this has not always been clear in the scientific literature, until recently. In the following paper, the phenomenology of hallucinations will be (briefly) described. Then, ways in which examining phenomenological characteristics of hallucinations may have theoretical and clinical implications, will be presented. Assessment tools that examine phenomenological aspects of hallucinations will also briefly be presented. In particular, it will be argued that previous theoretical accounts of hallucinations that exclusively propose an externalising bias have not integrated the full phenomenological diversity of hallucinations. In addition, it will be maintained that taking into account the phenomenological diversity of hallucinations has a number of clinical implications, such as providing the patient with important information, improving patient-clinician relations, helping individualise treatment, opening up new therapeutic avenues, and providing information concerning changes in the patient's mental and emotional condition.