Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Hallucinations In A Person With A History Of Drug Abuse?
Question: My brother has recently been accusing people of punching him in the back/back of the head. It has happened on4/5 occasions both while he was in bed and also while dining at restaurant. During each occurrence, no one has actually punched him. He has a history of some drug abuse, but has been clean (drugs and alcohol) for at least the past 5 years. Other than these incidences he does not speak of any delusions and seems very coherent when holding a conversation. He is severely overweight, smokes and presumably has sleep apnea. I am wondering what could be the cause of these thoughts?
Brief Answer:
It could be paranoid psychosis or psychosis nos
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I have gone through the details provided in query and understand your concerns.
Firstly presence of sensation while none is present clearly indicative of hallucinstions. Secondly attributing those sensations to some one else is menifestation of delilusion.
These two things when present together indicate toward paranoid psyvhosis. In case we assume that attributing those sendations to others is not firmly held, still presence of hallucinstions indicate toward psychosis.
There is two possibility in your btother.
First as described above
Second it is possible that he restarted doing substance causing these symptoms.
In my view it will be appropriate to seek professional consultation as soon as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
It could be paranoid psychosis or psychosis nos
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I have gone through the details provided in query and understand your concerns.
Firstly presence of sensation while none is present clearly indicative of hallucinstions. Secondly attributing those sensations to some one else is menifestation of delilusion.
These two things when present together indicate toward paranoid psyvhosis. In case we assume that attributing those sendations to others is not firmly held, still presence of hallucinstions indicate toward psychosis.
There is two possibility in your btother.
First as described above
Second it is possible that he restarted doing substance causing these symptoms.
In my view it will be appropriate to seek professional consultation as soon as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
