Published on: 6/20/2025
What is the difference between hallucinations and delusions?
Hallucinations are when you see or hear things that aren't there, while delusions are strong beliefs that are not based in reality.
Explanation
Hallucinations and delusions are both symptoms that can affect how a person understands reality, but they are different in nature.
Hallucinations are like tricks on the senses. They make you see, hear, feel, or even smell things that are not actually there. For example, someone might hear voices talking to them when no one is around.
Delusions, on the other hand, are very strong beliefs that are not true or based in reality. For instance, a person might believe they have special powers or are being followed by secret agents, even when these things are not happening.
Both hallucinations and delusions can be part of mental health conditions, and it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you or someone you know is experiencing them. For more information and help, you can also visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Zigler E, & Levine J. (1983). Hallucinations vs. Delusions. A Developmental Approach. The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 6827252.
- Carota A, & Bogousslavsky J. (2019). Neurology versus Psychiatry? Hallucinations, Delusions, .... Frontiers of neurology and neuroscience, 31220856.
- Maher BA. (2006). The relationship between delusions and hallucinations. Current psychiatry reports, 19817067.
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