Persisting hallucinations following childhood sexual abuse.
T Heins, A Gray, M Tennant
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry December 1990 DOI: 10.3109/00048679009062913 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Individuals with hallucinations persisting after childhood sexual abuse |
| Key findings | Argues that hallucinations persisting for years after childhood sexual abuse are distinct from hallucinations in schizophrenia, are generally self-referential, can involve all sensory modalities, and would generally be classified as pseudo-hallucinations. Proposes post-traumatic stress disorder as the best diagnostic fit, though psychotic depression may explain some cases, and warns that misdiagnosis as schizophrenia may lead to inappropriate treatment. |
Abstract
Hallucinations can persist for many years after childhood sexual abuse. If we recognise this, we will not mis-diagnose psychosis and we may treat with psychotherapy (talk). The hallucinations are distinct from hallucinations in schizophrenia though patients have frequently been given that diagnosis. They would generally be classified as pseudo-hallucinations. They are generally self-referential. They can involve all sensory modalities. Three case reports illustrate this link. Methods for interviewing and providing ongoing help are discussed. Issues in phenomenology and diagnosis are considered. Post-traumatic stress disorder is the best diagnostic fit, though psychotic depression may explain some cases. Freud's case of Frau P (1896) was an early report of this link.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- ‘Linguistic Shrapnel’: Inner speech in borderline personality disorder and its relevance for self-familiarity. A philosophical review Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences November 11, 2025
- Auditory verbal hallucinations in patients with borderline personality disorder are similar to those in schizophrenia. Psychological Medicine September 2012
- Dissociation, trauma, and the role of lived experience: toward a new conceptualization of voice hearing. Psychological Bulletin January 2012
- Hallucinations in nonpsychotic disorders: toward a differential diagnosis of "hearing voices". Harvard Review of Psychiatry 2010
- Auditory Hallucinations: Psychotic Symptom or Dissociative Experience? Trauma and Serious Mental Illness January 4, 2008