command hallucinations
Auditory hallucinations that direct the patient to perform specific actions, often representing high clinical risk.
Full Definition
Command hallucinations are auditory perceptual disturbances in which patients hear voices instructing them to engage in particular behaviors. These commands may involve self-harm, violence toward others, or other dangerous activities. Emergency psychiatric assessment must determine the content of commands, patient's response to them, and ability to resist harmful directives. Command hallucinations significantly increase risk assessment scores and often necessitate involuntary psychiatric intervention. Clinical documentation should specify command content and patient's relationship to the voices.
Usage
Usage note: Always document specific content and patient's response to commands.
In Context
- "The patient reported command hallucinations instructing self-harm, which he felt compelled to obey." — psychiatric evaluation
- "Risk assessment must include specific inquiry about command hallucinations and patient compliance." — clinical guidelines