An Episode of “Third Person” Phenomenon Involving Somesthetic and Visual Hallucinations in a World-Class Extreme Altitude Climber

Abstract

Psychotic symptoms can occur at high altitude. However, most reports are in the mountaineering literature and lack a clear medical assessment and interpretation. Here we report an episode of isolated high-altitude psychosis. It consisted of a “third person” phenomenon involving 2 sensory modalities: somesthetic (felt presence) and visual (the light of 2 flashlights) hallucinations. This episode occurred in a highly experienced climber when he was at an altitude of approximately 7500 m while descending at dusk from the summit of Gasherbrum I (8068 m). The symptoms lasted approximately 3 h and had fully resolved on reaching high camp (7150 m). No other physical or mental symptoms were reported. In addition to hypoxia, a number of other risk factors could have contributed to the occurrence of psychosis in this climber. These included sleep deprivation, exhaustion, dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, reduced visibility, feeling of isolation, and perceived danger. The climber has participated in many extreme altitude expeditions, and neither before nor since this episode has the climber experienced psychotic symptoms.