Citation

Jessop M, Scott J, Nurcombe B. Australas. Psychiatry 2008; 16(4): 268-272.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/10398560801982580

PMID

18608156

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the phenomenology of hallucinations in a series of hospitalized adolescents diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia.
METHODS: Subjects admitted to a tertiary adolescent inpatient unit were screened for hallucinations. Those reporting hallucinations were asked standardized questions relating to these experiences. Hallucinations in subjects with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia or PTSD were compared.
RESULTS: Hallucinations in both schizophrenia and PTSD have similar form and content. Frequent, vivid, realistic, external hallucinations occurred in both disorders. Hallucinations in PTSD were usually derogatory and related to self-harm, but not direct reflections of traumatic events. Patients with PTSD reported greater emotional distress, self-harm and suicidal ideation than those with schizophrenia.
CONCLUSIONS: This case series suggests that the phenomenology of hallucinations in adolescents with schizophrenia and PTSD is similar.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent; Delusions; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Hallucinations; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Queensland; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenic Psychology; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Thinking