Autoscopic and drug-induced perceptual disturbances. A case report

The unique association of autoscopic and toxic hallucinatory phenomena is presented. These two phenomena were clearly differentiated by two clinical aspects--their course of appearance and the patient's attitude. Various conditions affecting the central nervous system have been associated with the autoscopic phenomena. In this case, hallucinatory disturbances were caused by drug intoxication. However, the special features of the autoscopic phenomena were retained and could be clearly distinguished. Psychiatrists should be familiar with the syndrome as lack of clinical recognition might cause wrong treatment decisions--as presented in our patient.