The enigma of pseudohallucinations: current meanings and usage

This study investigates the view of 2 samples of psychiatrists about pseudohallucinations (PH) and their perceived value in clinical practice. Among UK and Irish consultant psychiatrists, 87% expressed belief in PH, but 63% thought that the concept was confusing and only 58% thought PH were clinically useful. Recently appointed consultants were more positive about PH. One-third of respondents were sceptical: and even the more enthusiastic gave variable and inconsistent responses. Many psychiatrists do not value the concept of PH or do not use it. Those who do favour it use it inconsistently. The concept gives rise to much confusion, and is weak because it is defined negatively. It should be abandoned in favour of a more precise clinical approach to describing false perceptions.