Psychological Trauma & PTSD Hallucinations

Principal Category: Scam Victim Recovery Psychology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Trauma-induced hallucinations, particularly those linked to psychological stress and PTSD, are more common than often recognized. These hallucinations can manifest in various forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and even gustatory experiences. Studies show that individuals with PTSD may experience vivid flashbacks, hear threatening voices, or see shadowy figures, commonly known as “shadow people.” These hallucinations can be triggered by extreme stress, sleep deprivation, or unresolved trauma, deeply affecting the individual’s quality of life. Understanding the underlying psychological factors can help in seeking appropriate treatment, such as therapy, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene, to reduce the occurrence of these distressing experiences.

Understanding the Hallucinations Linked to Trauma and Psychological Stress

Yes, you can experience hallucinations with psychological trauma and PTSD.

While this symptom isn’t a part of the DSM-5 criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, expanding research suggests hallucinations may be more common than originally thought among trauma-spectrum disorders.

In a 2020 study among women living with Trauma/PTSD, researchers found that 46% reported clear auditory hallucinations in the form of voices.

Similar findings were reported in an earlier study from 2000, which found that 30% to 40% of combat veterans living with PTSD reported auditory or visual hallucinations and delusions. Auditory hallucinations tend to be the most common from what we can see in the research.

“Shadow people” are another one of the commonly reported types of hallucination where individuals perceive shadowy, often humanoid figures in their environment. These figures can appear suddenly and may evoke strong feelings of fear or anxiety. While they are sometimes linked to paranormal beliefs, shadow people are primarily a psychological phenomenon triggered by various factors, including sleep deprivation, psychological stress, and trauma.

Psychologically-Induced Hallucinations Caused by Trauma

Psychologically induced hallucinations caused by trauma can manifest in various ways, often reflecting the underlying emotional and psychological distress experienced by the individual.

Hallucinations as a Trauma / PTSD Symptom

Hallucinations are defined as perceptual experiences that occur without any corresponding external stimuli. In the context of PTSD, hallucinations can manifest as vivid and intrusive sensory experiences related to the traumatic event. These hallucinations may involve visual, auditory, or tactile sensations that are distressing and difficult to control.

Here are some examples:

Intrusive Visual Hallucinations

Intrusive visual hallucinations can be a symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These hallucinations can be distressing and make it difficult to distinguish between reality and the hallucinatory experience. They can involve:

• • • Fleeing glimpses of traumatic images’
    • More elaborate and vivid visual disturbances’
    • Seeing images or scenes from the traumatic event replaying in your minds’

These hallucinations can trigger a range of intense emotions, including: Fear, Anxiety, Distress, Helplessness, and Hopelessness.

Although hallucinations aren’t part of the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, research suggests they may be more common than originally thought among trauma-spectrum disorders. For example, a 2000 study found that 30% to 40% of combat veterans living with PTSD reported auditory or visual hallucinations and delusions.

Flashbacks: Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often experience vivid flashbacks where they relive traumatic events. These can be so intense that they feel as if they are happening in the present moment, and they may involve seeing, hearing, or even feeling things that aren’t there.

Shadowy Figures or Distorted Faces: Trauma survivors might see shadowy figures or distorted versions of real people. These hallucinations can be tied to their fears and anxieties, often emerging during times of heightened stress or as part of nightmares.

Auditory Hallucinations – Very Common

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AVHs are when someone hears voices without any external stimuli. They are often associated with self-harm and suicide, and people with PTSD who experience AVHs have a higher mortality and disability rate than those who don’t.

In people with PTSD, AVHs can be similar to those experienced by people with schizophrenia, but they can also have some differences. For example, AVHs in PTSD can have different themes, natures, and associated delusions. They can also be more negative in content, and can occur inside or outside the head.

Hearing Voices: Trauma can lead to auditory hallucinations where individuals hear voices that are not present. These voices may be critical, threatening, or connected to the traumatic event. For example, a survivor of abuse might hear the voice of their abuser, even when they are alone.

Echoes or Repeated Phrases: Sometimes, trauma-induced hallucinations involve hearing repeated phrases or sounds associated with the traumatic event, such as the sound of gunfire or someone screaming.

Tactile Hallucinations

Feeling of Being Touched or Grabbed: Trauma, especially physical or sexual abuse, can result in tactile hallucinations where the individual feels as if they are being touched or grabbed. This can be particularly distressing, as it may trigger memories of the traumatic event.

Sensations of Crawling Skin: Individuals might feel as though something is crawling on or under their skin. This is often associated with severe anxiety or panic attacks, which can be linked to traumatic experiences.

Olfactory Hallucinations

Smelling Smoke, Blood, or Other Scents: Trauma survivors may experience olfactory hallucinations where they smell odors linked to the traumatic event. For instance, a war veteran might smell smoke or burning flesh, while a survivor of an assault might smell the cologne of their attacker.

Gustatory Hallucinations

Tasting Blood or Bitter Substances: These hallucinations can occur in trauma survivors, where they might taste something unpleasant, like blood or poison, even though nothing is in their mouth. This is less common but can be a distressing symptom of trauma-related disorders.

These examples illustrate how trauma can deeply affect the brain and lead to various types of hallucinations. These hallucinations are often distressing and can significantly impact the individual’s quality of life, making it essential to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Shadow People Phenomenon

What Are Shadow People?

Shadow people are visual hallucinations that typically appear as dark, shadowy figures. They may be perceived as standing still, moving quickly, or even looming over the person experiencing the hallucination. These figures often lack distinct features and are usually described as being darker than the surrounding environment. For some, shadow people appear to be wearing hats or cloaks, adding to their eerie presence.

Psychological Stress and Trauma as Triggers

One of the most significant factors contributing to the appearance of shadow people is psychological stress. When you experience high levels of stress, your body and mind can react in ways that disrupt normal functioning. For example, stress can affect your sleep patterns, increase anxiety, and heighten your senses, making you more susceptible to visual and auditory disturbances.

For individuals who have experienced psychological trauma, the likelihood of seeing shadow people can increase. Trauma can leave lasting imprints on the mind, sometimes leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with PTSD may experience heightened states of alertness or hypervigilance, where their brain is constantly scanning for threats. In such a state, the mind might misinterpret shadows or other stimuli as something more sinister, leading to the perception of shadow people.

The Role of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is another common trigger for shadow people hallucinations. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain struggles to function correctly. This can result in various cognitive and perceptual disturbances, including seeing things that aren’t there. The combination of psychological stress and lack of sleep can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing these hallucinations.

Coping with Trauma Caused Hallucinations

If you find yourself experiencing hallucinations caused by trauma, it’s important to address the underlying factors contributing to them:

Manage Stress: Identifying and reducing sources of stress in your life can help lower the chances of experiencing these hallucinations. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity can be effective in managing stress.

Seek Therapy: If psychological trauma or stress is contributing to your experiences, talking to a therapist can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can help you process trauma and reduce the symptoms of stress-related hallucinations. Find trauma counselors or therapists at counseling.AgainstScams.org.

Improve Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring that you get enough rest is crucial. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and make your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible.

Avoid Stimulants: Reducing or eliminating the use of substances that can exacerbate stress and sleep issues, such as caffeine or alcohol, can also help reduce the likelihood of seeing shadow people.

Conclusion

Experiencing Trauma Caused Hallucinations can be a frightening experience, especially when it’s linked to psychological stress or trauma. Understanding that these hallucinations are a product of the mind under stress can help demystify the experience and encourage you to seek help. By addressing the root causes—whether through stress management, therapy, or better sleep—you can reduce the occurrence of shadow people and improve your overall mental health.

References

• https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-34992-001
• https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-08613-2_45-1#:~:text=3%20Citations,who%20do%20not%20experience%20them.
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article/dissociation-trauma-and-the-experience-of-visual-hallucinations-in-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-and-schizophrenia/FC5979CDD558858E52DF41ACB3F6E444
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20063969/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10658640/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32437205/
• https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-016-1166-1
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gustatory-hallucination
• https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.14070156
• https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/39/3/185/502849
• https://www.jwatch.org/na51114/2020/03/26/hearing-voices-patients-with-trauma
• https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/signs-and-symptoms-of-ptsd-in-women
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17637580/#:~:text=Recent%20data%20suggest%20that%20the,visual%20hallucinations%20and%2For%20delusions.

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

SCARS Resources:

• For New Victims of Relationship Scams www.ScamVictimsSupport.org
• Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School for FREE – visit www.SCARSeducation.org to register – FREE for scam victims/survivors
• Sign up for SCARS professional Support & Recovery Groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
• Find competent Trauma Counselors or Therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
• Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn More about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Scammer Photos on ScammerPhotos.com [Not Recommended for Recent Scam Victims]
• SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Donate/Give to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org

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