Hallucinations

• Hallucinations are perception-like experiences that occur without an external stimulus.
• Auditory hallucinations are the most common in schizophrenia and related disorders.
• Auditory hallucinations are usually experienced as voices, whether familiar or unfamiliar, that are perceived as distinct from the individual’s own thoughts.
• The hallucinations must occur in the context of a clear sensorium; those that occur while falling asleep (hypnagogic) or waking up (hypnopompic) are considered to be within the range of normal experience.