Auditory Hallucinations: When Can They Be Recorded? - Psychiatry

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Schizophrenia


Hello Dr.
Chiu, I would like to ask under what circumstances can auditory hallucinations be recorded? Previously, I consulted Dr.
Lin Mianzhang, who confirmed that I indeed experience auditory hallucinations and delusions (suspected hallucinations).
There are three types of auditory hallucinations: the first type occurs spontaneously, the second type occurs when someone speaks (affecting 98% of people), and the third type appears on the television (similar to the first type).
These voices believe they are omnipotent and fear no one (including the president and gangsters), each claiming to have a perfect appearance and more wealth than the world's richest person (with extreme wealth), having had countless girlfriends and infinite daughters, while claiming to have no attractiveness themselves.
They feel they can command others, speak incoherently, and can even "zoom" around, often mocking me especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year (since 2021, this has ceased).
The mocking has been particularly severe and loud, and everything everyone says is identical to what they say.
Sometimes they claim to be gods, and at other times, they say they have no relatives (a month ago, they mentioned that my cousins and former godbrother were a family of five, while I have always been an only child).
Now they claim to be the same person as my former godbrother, Ad, despite the obvious differences.
They also seem to know what I am thinking and feel as if others can see them (everyone looks in the direction of those voices), even though there is clearly no one there.
I am unsure if this is a hallucination.
On January 19 of this year and on other recent occasions, I recorded the sounds of these auditory hallucinations.
At that time, I truly felt fear, worry, anger, helplessness, and annoyance.
However, since receiving the injection of Anli Fumeida on February 1, although my condition has not improved, I have at least developed insight into my illness and started to realize that these experiences are not real.
The voices cause headaches and heart palpitations, and they speak at a speed that is not humanly possible.
The sensations feel very real, allowing me to see, hear, smell, and feel what I experience, which has caused me significant distress.
The voices have been present for about 13 years, and throughout these years, I have felt constantly monitored and extremely insecure.
I now understand that these are auditory hallucinations, and the voices persist 24/7, changing approximately every half day—one group during the day and another at night.
There can be up to 5-6 voices, which relentlessly mock and insult me, calling me ugly and stating that no one would want to marry their daughter to me.
Additionally, what I know, they may not know, and what they do not know, they claim not to tell me (though there are exceptions, such as when I momentarily forgot that the pronunciation of "AIR" is "er." Honestly, my English skills are not good, and I always fail my tests.
I remember checking the pronunciation of "AIR" in April this year and suspect that my memory has declined since receiving Anli Fumeida, but I still have some subconscious impression.
These voices can quickly state that it is "er." Therefore, I would like to ask Dr.
Chiu, under what circumstances can auditory hallucinations be recorded? Can various types of auditory hallucinations, such as the first and second types and the "zooming" sounds, be recorded? However, it does not happen every time; once I recorded for an hour, and another time for eight minutes without hearing anything.
Also, they claim to possess all my memories.
Lastly, I want to express my deep gratitude to Dr.
Chiu Jun-da for guiding me; this issue has troubled me for over a decade.
I am immensely grateful! Thank you!

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/18

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry


Hello.
The issue is quite complex and cannot be addressed here.
It would be best to consult with your attending physician during your follow-up appointment.

Reply Date: 2024/07/18

More Info


Auditory hallucinations, or the perception of sounds without external stimuli, can manifest in various forms and contexts. Understanding when these hallucinations can be recorded and the implications of such experiences is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
Firstly, auditory hallucinations can be categorized into different types, as you mentioned. The first type involves sounds that appear to come from nowhere, while the second type occurs in response to external stimuli, such as when someone speaks. The third type involves sounds perceived from media sources, like television. These experiences can be distressing, particularly when they are accompanied by feelings of fear, paranoia, or confusion, as you've described.

Recording auditory hallucinations can be challenging. In many cases, individuals may not be able to capture these experiences consistently. Factors such as the individual's mental state, the environment, and the nature of the hallucination itself can influence whether or not a hallucination is recorded. For instance, if a person is experiencing a particularly intense episode of hallucination, they may be more likely to record it. However, during calmer periods, the hallucinations may not be as prominent or may not occur at all, leading to gaps in recordings.

The technology used to capture these sounds can also play a role. For example, the quality of the recording device, the surrounding noise levels, and the sensitivity of the microphone can all impact the ability to capture auditory hallucinations. Additionally, the subjective nature of these experiences means that what one person perceives may not be easily identifiable or understandable to another, including healthcare providers.

In your case, the fact that you have been able to record some of these experiences suggests that there may be moments when the hallucinations are particularly vivid or intense. However, the inconsistency in recordings—sometimes capturing sounds for an hour and other times for only a few minutes—indicates that these experiences can fluctuate significantly. This variability is common in conditions associated with auditory hallucinations, such as schizophrenia or severe mood disorders.

It's also important to consider the psychological and neurological aspects of these experiences. Auditory hallucinations can be linked to various underlying conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and even certain neurological disorders. The presence of these hallucinations often requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatment options.

In terms of treatment, medications such as antipsychotics can be effective in managing auditory hallucinations. Your mention of receiving medication (安立復美達) indicates that you are already under medical care, which is a positive step. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your experiences, including the frequency and nature of your hallucinations, as this information can guide treatment adjustments.

Lastly, it's crucial to address the emotional and psychological impact of these hallucinations. Engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage the distress associated with hallucinations. Support groups and psychoeducation can also provide valuable resources and community support for those experiencing similar challenges.

In summary, auditory hallucinations can be recorded under specific circumstances, but the variability in experiences makes consistent documentation difficult. Understanding the nature of these hallucinations, their potential underlying causes, and the available treatment options is vital for managing and alleviating the distress they may cause. If you have further questions or concerns, I encourage you to continue discussing them with your healthcare provider, as they can offer personalized guidance based on your unique situation.

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