Auditory Hallucinations: A Patient's Experience and Insights

Q: Auditory Hallucinations: A Patient's Experience and Insights

Hello： It seems that your experiences feel very real and are difficult to distinguish from reality. <br>Therefore, I recommend discussing with your physician whether to adjust your medication to improve your auditory hallucinations. <br>You might consider trying clozapine. <br>Wi

Continuation #205880 issue?

Hello Dr.
Lin! Regarding the incident on the train, let me explain in detail: It was around 10 PM, and my father and I were on our way home.
The train carriage wasn't too crowded, but it wasn't empty either.
As I mentioned to you before, something unusual happened, but I can assure you that the people around us at the time were completely unaware of anything strange, as if that girl was performing a monologue by herself.
Additionally, back in 2021, there was a neighbor-like person (who seemed to live next door, though I'm not entirely sure since there was a mosaic door between us) who also confronted me in a similar manner.
He spoke things I couldn't quite hear clearly, but he was just as confrontational as that girl, even voicing my inner thoughts and telling me to stop talking.
After saying that, he turned and left, and again, the people around us didn't seem to notice anything.
Now, I also want to mention that my auditory hallucinations seem to have worsened.
Since I started taking Anli Fumida on February 1st, the voices have become louder and more impactful.
The content of the hallucinations has changed to stating that my family is an ordinary one, which is far from the truth.
Everyone in my family who works earns a high salary, with the lowest being around 100,000 NTD, and some earning over 200,000 NTD, with the highest reaching 300,000 NTD.
This refers to my peers; as for the older generation, their incomes are even higher.
For instance, my mother earns about 30 million NTD a year just from bank interest alone—not an exaggeration, she is definitely a wealthy woman.
Yet, those voices claim we are ordinary.
I thought to myself, if that’s ordinary, then about two-thirds of the population in Taiwan would have to resort to suicide.
Furthermore, my mother has more than just this income; she holds hundreds of thousands of shares in a major bank in Taiwan, and I believe anyone knowledgeable would understand how much dividend she receives each year.
Besides that, she owns several rental properties in Taipei City, making her a landlord.
I’m not saying this to boast about my mother’s wealth, but to highlight the stark contrast between the reality and what the hallucinations claim.
The reason I reacted so strongly is that today, at another hospital for a follow-up in a different department, something happened that made me question whether I truly have auditory hallucinations.
I was watching a live marathon on YouTube on my iPhone, which was a historical drama.
Suddenly, two women appeared, and one of them said a line that the character would say about a second later.
I thought, "What the heck! Is it really possible for someone to know what others are thinking and predict the future by a few seconds?" I graduated with a degree in history and am quite familiar with historical narratives, but I completely forgot the lines from that episode, which were written by the screenwriter.
I had no idea what the characters would say next, but I had seen that episode before.
Could it be that my subconscious remembered it? If that’s the case, then everything would make sense.
Moreover, now whenever I go out, I experience auditory hallucinations with almost everyone around me.
As soon as someone starts talking, the hallucinations immediately follow, which is quite distressing.
Therefore, I sincerely ask for your assistance and advice, Dr.
Lin! I’m nearly driven to madness by these seemingly hallucinatory voices every day, and the sounds and content feel very real, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is a hallucination or delusion!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/22

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello: It seems that your experiences feel very real and are difficult to distinguish from reality.
Therefore, I recommend discussing with your physician whether to adjust your medication to improve your auditory hallucinations.
You might consider trying clozapine.
Wishing you peace and health!

Reply Date: 2024/03/22

More Info

Understanding auditory hallucinations can be a complex and nuanced topic, especially when it involves personal experiences that blur the lines between reality and perception. Based on your detailed account, it seems you are experiencing auditory hallucinations that are distressing and disruptive to your daily life. Let's break down the situation and explore potential avenues for understanding and addressing these experiences.

Firstly, auditory hallucinations are perceptions of sound that occur without an external auditory stimulus. They can manifest in various forms, including hearing voices, music, or other sounds that others do not perceive. In your case, it appears that the hallucinations are not only frequent but also contextually relevant, as they seem to respond to your environment and even predict future dialogues in media you are consuming. This can be particularly confusing and distressing, as it challenges your understanding of reality.

The fact that these experiences intensified after a change in medication (the introduction of Anlifu Meida) suggests that there may be a pharmacological component to your symptoms. Medications can have a wide range of effects on mental health, and it is crucial to communicate any changes in your symptoms to your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your treatment plan, whether that involves changing the dosage, switching medications, or adding adjunct therapies.

It's also important to consider the psychological aspect of your experiences. Auditory hallucinations can be associated with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and even extreme stress or trauma. A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional is essential to determine the underlying cause of your hallucinations. This evaluation may include a clinical interview, psychological testing, and possibly neuroimaging studies to rule out any organic causes.

In terms of immediate steps you can take, here are some suggestions:
1. Document Your Experiences: Keep a detailed journal of your auditory hallucinations, noting the context in which they occur, their content, and any triggers you identify. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in understanding your condition.

2. Seek Professional Help: If you haven't already, consider consulting with a psychiatrist or a psychologist who specializes in auditory hallucinations or psychotic disorders. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan.

3. Medication Review: Discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider. It may be beneficial to review the side effects and interactions of your current regimen, especially since you noted a change after starting a new medication.

4. Therapeutic Support: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies and techniques to manage the distress associated with these experiences.

5. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice. Look for local or online support groups for individuals dealing with auditory hallucinations or related mental health issues.

6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental well-being. These techniques may also help you create a sense of distance from the hallucinations, making them feel less intrusive.

7. Limit Stressors: Since stress can exacerbate hallucinations, try to identify and minimize stressors in your life. This might involve lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring you have a supportive social network.

In conclusion, while auditory hallucinations can be distressing and confusing, there are effective strategies and treatments available. It is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals to understand the underlying causes of your experiences and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and their impact on your life. Remember, you are not alone in this, and help is available.

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