The phenomenology of perceptual hallucinations in alcohol-induced delirium tremens.
W E Platz, F A Oberlaender, M L Seidel
Psychopathology 1995 DOI: 10.1159/000284935 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Semistandardized investigation Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 64 |
| Population | Patients with alcohol-induced delirium tremens |
| Duration | 14 months |
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Visual hallucinations predominated over auditory and tactile hallucinations in patients with alcohol-induced delirium tremens. Among animal-related visual hallucinations, cats, dogs, and snakes were most frequent, and the well-known 'white mice' were reported only once. The authors argue that understanding patients' hallucinations during qualified detoxification can help reduce hallucination-related anxiety and support subsequent motivation for treatment. |
Abstract
In a qualified detoxication, states of anxiety caused by hallucinations can be specifically assimilated and psychologically reduced. Knowledge of the hallucinations experienced promotes the subsequent motivation phase. A semistandardized investigation of 64 patients with alcohol-induced delirium tremens was carried out over a period of 14 months in order to establish the nature of their perceptual hallucinations. Visual hallucinations predominated followed by auditory and tactile perceptual hallucinations. Amongst visual hallucinations pertaining to animals, the well-known 'white mice' were only reported once. Hallucinated cats, dogs, and snakes were most frequent, and were only then followed by mice (in general).