A hallucination is an experience that is not shared by other people. Hallucinations seem real to the person having them. Hallucinations can involve any of a person's senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and/or touch).
Here are ways to help a person who is hallucinating:
- Approach the person quietly while calling his or her name.
- Ask the person to tell you what is happening. Ask whether he or she is afraid or confused.
- Tell the person that he or she is having a hallucination and that you do not see or hear what he or she is experiencing.
- Talk with the person about the experience and ask whether there is anything you can do to help.
- Suggest that the person tell the voices to go away. Involving the person in other activities may help.
- Help the person find ways to handle the hallucinations, such as listening to music or watching TV.
- Do not hurry the person.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | February 5, 2008 |
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Last Updated: 02/05/2008
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