Understanding visual hallucinations: A new synthesis.
Daniel Collerton, James Barnes, Nico J Diederich, Rob Dudley, Dominic Ffytche, Karl Friston, Christopher G Goetz, Jennifer G Goldman, Renaud Jardri, Jaime Kulisevsky, Simon J G Lewis, Shigetoshi Nara, Claire O'Callaghan, Marco Onofrj, Javier Pagonabarraga, Thomas Parr, James M Shine, Glenn Stebbins, John-Paul Taylor, Ichiro Tsuda, Rimona S Weil
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews July 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105208 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractEight distinct models of complex visual hallucinations have been proposed since 2000, each based on different views of brain organization. Researchers from each model group have now agreed on an integrated Visual Hallucination Framework that aligns with current theories of both real and hallucinatory vision. The Framework identifies cognitive systems involved in hallucinations and enables systematic investigation of how hallucination experiences relate to changes in underlying cognitive structures. The episodic nature of hallucinations points to separate factors for their onset, persistence, and end, suggesting a complex relationship between temporary states and long-term traits of hallucination risk. The Framework also suggests new research directions and potential treatments for distressing hallucinations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Anomalous experiences Charles bonnet syndrome Eye disease Lewy body Misperception |
| Citations | 80 |
| Key finding | An integrated Visual Hallucination Framework has been developed that harmonizes eight existing models of complex visual hallucinations and is consistent with current theories of veridical and hallucinatory vision. |
Abstract
Despite decades of research, we do not definitively know how people sometimes see things that are not there. Eight models of complex visual hallucinations have been published since 2000, including Deafferentation, Reality Monitoring, Perception and Attention Deficit, Activation, Input, and Modulation, Hodological, Attentional Networks, Active Inference, and Thalamocortical Dysrhythmia Default Mode Network Decoupling. Each was derived from different understandings of brain organisation. To reduce this variability, representatives from each research group agreed an integrated Visual Hallucination Framework that is consistent with current theories of veridical and hallucinatory vision. The Framework delineates cognitive systems relevant to hallucinations. It allows a systematic, consistent, investigation of relationships between the phenomenology of visual hallucinations and changes in underpinning cognitive structures. The episodic nature of hallucinations highlights separate factors associated with the onset, persistence, and end of specific hallucinations suggesting a complex relationship between state and trait markers of hallucination risk. In addition to a harmonised interpretation of existing evidence, the Framework highlights new avenues of research, and potentially, new approaches to treating distressing hallucinations.