91勛圖

Abstract

Some clinical professionals are still unaware that release hallucinations can accompany sensory decline. Release hallucinations (aka Charles Bonnet Syndrome) are so-named due to the theory that afferent stimuli association cells discharge spontaneously due to insufficient inhibition from authentic external stimuli. These release hallucinations are spontaneous, well-formed and vividly colored and detailed. The phenomena was first described in 1760 by the French naturalist and philosopher Charles Bonnet but it was first called 璽�?�?release hallucinations璽�?�� in 1967 by the Swiss physician George De Morsier, originally omitting 璽�?�?mental deficiency璽�?�� as diagnostic criteria. Later research disagreed and included 璽�?�?brain dysfunction璽�?�� as criteria. Prevalence is estimated at 11-15% in the visually impaired. The majority of patients are otherwise mentally sound and sane. Many patients are hesitant to come forward for fear of being considered insane or 璽�?�?crazy璽�?��. They are often misdiagnosed with psychosis or dementia. Studies show receding hallucinations as the sensory modality progressively deteriorates and is eventually lost. Release hallucinations therefore appear to occur within a certain window of sensory deficiency and loss. There are currently no reliable treatments but case studies suggest that restoration of the lost sensory modality can result in the elimination of the release hallucinations. Both visual and auditory relapse hallucinations will be discussed.

Biography

Lisa Trepanier has completed her PhD at York University and Postdoctoral studies from the University of Toronto, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Health & Disease Program at the University of Toronto. Currently, she works full time in her clinical practice of Neuropsychology & Clinical Psychology. She provides clinical care for clients and collaborative consultations to physicians and psychiatrists.

Email: lisa.trepanier@rogers.com