Toward a comprehensive model.

Abstract

As the chapters in this hook show, although much is known about hallucinations, a comprehensive and empirically validated account remains elusive. In this chapter, we propose a multidimensional and multifactorial model of hallucinations, one that incorporates the identified cognitive and neural alterations. A comprehensive model should address the following important features of hallucinations: (a) Internally generated information is not attributed to an internal source (but rather to an external or nonself source). (b) Hallucinations appear unbidden; the experiencer has little or no control over them. (c) Hallucinations clearly have sensory characteristics; the experiencer has the (initial) conviction that he or she receives information through the senses. (d) There is an emotional component to hallucinations in many cases. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)