Bipolar hallucinations

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers for "bipolar hallucinations"

Analyzed relevant papers

Bipolar Hallucinations: An Overview

Prevalence and Types of Hallucinations in Bipolar Disorder

Hallucinations are a significant symptom in bipolar disorder (BD), with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) being particularly notable. The prevalence of AVHs in BD varies widely, ranging from 11.3% to 62.8% . These hallucinations are often accompanied by delusions, with persecutory and grandiose delusions being especially common 13. Visual hallucinations are also reported, particularly during manic episodes, while auditory hallucinations are more common during depressive episodes .

Comparison with Other Psychiatric Disorders

When compared to other psychiatric conditions, hallucinations in BD are less frequent and severe than in schizophrenia but more common than in unipolar depression . In a study of hospitalized patients, the prevalence of hallucinations was highest in schizophrenia (61.1%), followed by bipolar mixed (22.9%), bipolar manic (11.2%), and bipolar depressed (10.5%) . The characteristics of hallucinations in BD are similar to those in unipolar depression, with auditory hallucinations being the most frequent, followed by somatic and visual hallucinations .

Hallucinations in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

Psychotic phenomena, including hallucinations, are also prevalent in pediatric bipolar I disorder (BP-I). In a study of children and adolescents with BP-I, 76.3% experienced psychosis, with 5.1% reporting pathological hallucinations. Visual hallucinations were the most common type of pathological hallucination in this group . Interestingly, the prevalence of psychosis was similar across different age groups within the pediatric population .

Neural Correlates and Phenomenology

Neuroimaging studies have identified structural brain abnormalities associated with hallucinations in BD. Specifically, a reduction in gray matter volume in the right posterior insular cortex has been observed in patients with a history of hallucinations, suggesting abnormalities in the salience network . The phenomenology of AVHs in BD shares similarities with those in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, though there are differences in frequency, duration, and the changeability of tone and content .

Attributions and Clinical Implications

Patients with BD often attribute their hallucinations to their illness, particularly when they are not in an episode. Unlike in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, malevolent or omnipotent attributions are rare in BD . This distinction suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for hallucinations in BD may need to be tailored differently than for schizophrenia .

Conclusion

Hallucinations in bipolar disorder are a complex and multifaceted symptom, with significant variability in prevalence and type. They are less severe than in schizophrenia but more common than in unipolar depression. Both auditory and visual hallucinations are prevalent, with distinct patterns observed in different mood states. Neuroimaging studies highlight structural brain abnormalities associated with hallucinations in BD, and the phenomenology of these hallucinations shares similarities with other psychiatric disorders. Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Auditory verbal hallucinations in bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD): A systematic review.

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are a common but understudied symptom in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, with potential clinical implications and adapted therapeutic applications.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2015·

91citations

·W. L. Toh et al.

Characterizing the experience of auditory verbal hallucinations and accompanying delusions in individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder: A systematic review

This study aimed to identify clinically meaningful subcategories of auditory verbal hallucinations in bipolar disorder patients, and evaluate the suitability of current psychological interventions for psychotic symptoms.

Systematic Review

2017·

34citations

·LM Smith et al.

Hallucinations in bipolar disorder: characteristics and comparison to unipolar depression and schizophrenia.

Hallucinations in bipolar disorder patients are less severe, more visual, and linked to lower education and higher anxiety.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2005·

163citations

·C. Baethge et al.

Psychotic phenomena in 257 young children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder: delusions and hallucinations (benign and pathological).

Psychosis is equally prevalent in children with bipolar I disorder aged 6-16, warranting focus on intervention strategies.

Observational Study

2008·

59citations

·R. Tillman et al.

Attributions for hallucinations in bipolar affective disorder.

Attributions for hallucinations in bipolar disorder may be distinct from those in schizophrenia, and CBT tailored to reduce distress may be needed.

RCT

2010·

11citations

·P. Hammersley et al.

Hallucinations and delusions in 1,715 patients with unipolar and bipolar affective disorders.

Bipolar manics are more likely to experience hallucinations and delusions than primary depressives, secondary depressives, and bipolar depressives, with primary depressives being more likely than secondary depressives to have psychotic features.

Observational Study

1989·

69citations

·D. Black et al.

Neural correlates of hallucinations in bipolar disorder

Bipolar I disorder patients with a lifetime history of hallucinations show reduced gray matter volume in the right posterior insular cortex, potentially affecting the assignment of salience to one's own experience and leading to psychotic symptoms.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2016·

16citations

·Maila de C. Neves et al.

The phenomenology of auditory verbal hallucinations in bipolar disorder

Auditory verbal hallucinations in bipolar disorder are similar to those in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but may have subtle differences in frequency, duration, and content.

Observational Study

2023·

4citations

·L. Smith et al.

Pseudo-hallucinations are for real in some patients with a bipolar disorder

Pseudo-hallucinations are common in individuals with bipolar disorder and can vary in expression, timing, and response to medication, suggesting they are not necessarily psychotic.

Observational Study

2023·

0citations

·G. Parker et al.

Twenty year multi-follow-up of different types of hallucinations in schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression

Over the course of 20 years, visual hallucinations differentiated schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder more effectively than auditory hallucinations, with early auditory hallucinations associated with reduced recovery likelihood.

Observational Study

2016·

30citations

·V. Goghari et al.

Try another search

blood pressure testing

how many people have schizophrenia

post acute withdrawal

is severe depression a disability

medroxyprogesterone 10 mg

dsm v adhd