Persisting Hallucinations following Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Hallucinations can persist for many years after childhood sexual abuse. If we recognise this, we will not mis-diagnose psychosis and we may treat with psychotherapy (talk). The hallucinations are distinct from hallucinations in schizophrenia though patients have frequently been given that diagnosis. They would generally be classified as pseudo-hallucinations. They are generally self-referential. They can involve all sensory modalities. Three case reports illustrate this link. Methods for interviewing and providing ongoing help are discussed. Issues in phenomenology and diagnosis are considered. Posttraumatic stress disorder is the best diagnostic fit, though psychotic depression may explain some cases. Freud's case of Frau P (1896) was an early report of this link.