Table 2.

Therapeutic responses to hallucinations

Do not agree with the reality basis for the hallucination Examine the circumstances of the hallucination Interpret the occurrence (e.g., as a reaction to a blow to self esteem) Explain the mechanism again and again Try to treat the patient's condition with an increase in external stimuli Ask patient to drown out hallucinations with alternate noise Deemphasize the hallucinations and focus on positive matters From Novalis PN, Peele R, Rojcewicz SJ. Clinical Manual of Supportive Psychotherapy. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1993:138.