pseudohallucination
A perception-like experience that lacks the compelling reality of true hallucinations; the person recognizes it as not real.
Full Definition
Pseudohallucinations are sensory experiences that resemble hallucinations but are recognized by the individual as not being real or external. Unlike true hallucinations, which are experienced as coming from external space and are indistinguishable from reality, pseudohallucinations are perceived as internal or imaginary. They may occur in conditions such as grief reactions, PTSD, or substance withdrawal. The key distinguishing feature is preserved insight - the person knows the experience is not real, whereas true hallucinations are accepted as genuine perceptions.
Usage
Usage note: Key distinction is preserved insight; hyphenate as 'pseudo-hallucination' in some style guides.
In Context
- "The grieving widow reported pseudohallucinations of hearing her deceased husband's voice but recognized these were not real." — Bereavement counseling note
- "Assessment revealed pseudohallucinations rather than true psychotic symptoms, suggesting a dissociative rather than psychotic process." — Diagnostic evaluation