Question

........... is a sensory experience that seems real to the person having it, but occurs in the absence of any external perceptual stimulus.

• A. Delusion
• B. Illusion
• C. Hallucination
• D. Depression

Hint:

Remember the key difference: {Illusion} = Misinterpreting something that IS there. {Hallucination} = Perceiving something that is NOT there. {Delusion} = Believing something that is not true.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the term that defines a false sensory perception. It is crucial to distinguish this from other types of distorted reality testing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Delusion: This is a disorder of thought content. It is a false, fixed belief that is held despite evidence to the contrary (e.g., believing one is a historical figure). It is not a sensory experience.
(B) Illusion: This is a disorder of perception, but it is a misinterpretation of a real external stimulus. For example, seeing a rope in a dimly lit room and perceiving it as a snake. There is a stimulus present.
(C) Hallucination: This is a disorder of perception that occurs in the absence of any external stimulus. The sensory experience (e.g., hearing voices, seeing things) is generated internally by the brain. This perfectly matches the definition in the question.
(D) Depression: This is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest, and other emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A sensory experience without an external stimulus is a hallucination.