Illusions | Mental Status Exam - MedSchool
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Affect & Mood
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Insight & Judgement
 

Illusions

 
 

Overview

  • Distortions of perception based on external stimuli. Perceives things as different to usual, but accepts that they are not real or that things are perceived differently by others.

    • Interpretation

    • Complete illusions: inattention resulting in misinterpretating, such as misreading words in a newspaper
    • Affect illusions: related to a particular mood state, such as mistaking shadows for people when particularly anxious or paranoid
    • Pareidolia: vivid illusions without any effort required, such as interpreting the markings on a picture of burnt toast as the Virgin Mary
    • Tactile illusions - such as phantom limb syndrome in those who have undergone amputation

    • Significance

    • Generally benign, though particular mood states such as depression, anxiety, mania or delirium may trigger illusions.
Last updated on November 7th, 2019
 
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