Visual hallucinations in consultation-liaison neuropsychiatry

Authors: Walterfang, Mark; Mocellin, Ramon; Velakoulis, Dennis

Source: Acta Neuropsychiatrica, Volume 19, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 330-337(8)

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Abstract:

Walterfang M, Mocellin R, Velakoulis D. Visual hallucinations in consultation-liaison neuropsychiatry. Background:

In consultation-liaison settings, neuropsychiatrists are commonly asked to assess patients with hallucinatory syndromes and to differentiate `functional' from `organic' psychotic presentations. Methods:

The occurrence and management of visual hallucinations (VH) in healthy individuals, lesion states, neurodegenerative disorders, intoxication/withdrawal states and delirium are reviewed. Results:

The presence of VH has been shown to predict a secondary rather than primary psychotic illness and an understanding of the neurobiology of the visual system - including how and where underlying neurotransmitter systems interact in visual processing and how perturbations can result in VH - allows for appropriate clinical assessment and management.

Keywords: delirium; dopamine; hallucinations; hallucinosis; visual

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5215.2007.00239.x

Publication date: 2007-12-01