How Long Do Hallucinations Last?

Hallucinations can last for different lengths of times depending on their underlying causes and other factors. Read on to learn about different types of hallucinations, their average lengths, and treatment options.

Hallucinations are sensory experiences where a person perceives things that aren’t actually there, such as seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things others don’t. These experiences can be disorienting and distressing, and the duration of hallucinations varies widely depending on factors like the underlying cause, the person’s health, and whether the condition is temporary or chronic. This post explores how long hallucinations can last in different situations, including mental health disorders, substance withdrawal, sleep deprivation, and neurological conditions.

The main factors that affect the length of hallucinations 

The duration of hallucinations can vary depending on a range of factors:

1. Mental health disorders 

Mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, can significantly influence the duration of hallucinations. For those with schizophrenia, hallucinations such as auditory verbal hallucinations or visual hallucinations can last for hours or even longer if untreated, but appropriate antipsychotic medication can reduce their duration. In bipolar disorder, hallucinations typically occur during manic or depressive episodes and can last from a few hours to days, depending on treatment. 

Furthermore, schizoaffective disorder, which combines symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, can cause hallucinations that last from hours to several days, depending on the severity of the episode and the effectiveness of treatment.

2. Substance withdrawal 

Substance withdrawal, particularly from alcohol or drugs, is another common cause of hallucinations and can have varying durations. Alcohol withdrawal may result in alcoholic hallucinosis, where people experience vivid auditory or visual hallucinations, typically starting within twelve to twenty-four hours after their last drink and lasting for several days. In severe cases, delirium tremens can cause tactile, auditory, and visual hallucinations, which may persist for several days and require medical supervision. For people who struggle with long-term alcohol abuse, hallucinations may last longer if not properly managed during detoxification, but with the right treatment, their duration can be shortened.

Similarly, drug withdrawal, particularly from stimulants or hallucinogens, can lead to temporary hallucinations that last from a few hours to a few days. Drug-induced psychosis is common in these cases, and while the hallucinations typically subside once the substance clears the body, they may persist in chronic users.

3. Sleep deprivation 

Sleep deprivation is also a common trigger for hallucinations, especially when someone is severely lacking sleep. People experiencing extreme sleep deprivation may have hypnagogic hallucinations (occurring while falling asleep) or hypnopompic hallucinations (occurring when waking up). These hallucinations are usually brief, lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes, and typically disappear once the person gets enough rest. Another sleep-related condition, sleep paralysis, can also cause disturbing hallucinations. During sleep paralysis, a person may feel awake but unable to move or speak, often accompanied by a sensation of pressure on the chest or the feeling of an ominous presence in the room. While these hallucinations are typically short-lived, lasting only a few seconds to a few minutes, they can be extremely intense and frightening.

4. Neurological conditions 

Hallucinations are also a common feature of various neurological conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other cognitive disorders that may experience visual or auditory hallucinations. The duration of hallucinations in a neurological condition can vary based on the progression of the disease. In dementia, especially in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, people may experience visual hallucinations and occasionally auditory hallucinations lasting for several hours or even days. Similarly, people with Parkinson’s disease often experience visual hallucinations in the later stages, particularly if they are on long-term medication, persisting for hours or days, depending on the person’s cognitive state and their treatment.

Do people hallucinate in the dying process?

In the final stages of life, particularly for those with terminal illnesses like cancer or advanced dementia, hallucinations can occur as part of the dying process. These hallucinations are often brief and can include presence hallucinations (feeling the presence of someone who isn’t there), olfactory hallucinations (smelling things that aren’t there), or visual hallucinations. As the body nears the end of life, changes in brain chemistry and bodily functions contribute to these experiences, which may last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the person’s condition and comfort.

Common types of hallucinations

Hallucinations can affect any of the five senses, leading to distorted perceptions of reality and creating unique and often unsettling experiences. Here are the four most common hallucinations.

1. Auditory hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds, voices, or noises that aren’t actually there. This type of hallucination is most commonly associated with schizophrenia but can also occur in disorders like bipolar disorder, drug-induced psychosis, and various other mental disorders. People experiencing auditory hallucinations may hear voices that others do not, often with intense emotional or personal content. The duration of these hallucinations can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days or even longer, depending on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the effectiveness of the treatment being used.

2. Visual hallucinations

Another one of the most common types of hallucinations is visual hallucinations. These involve seeing things that aren’t actually present and are commonly reported in people with schizophrenia, dementia, and various neurological conditions. People experiencing these hallucinations may see objects, people, or scenes that others do not, often leading to confusion or distress. The duration of visual hallucinations can last anywhere from several hours to longer periods, particularly if the underlying condition is untreated.

3. Tactile hallucinations

While tactile hallucinations are rarer than auditory or visual hallucinations, they are still experienced. These involve the sensation of being touched or feeling things on the skin that aren’t actually there, often linked to alcohol withdrawal, drug-induced psychosis, and certain neurological conditions. People experiencing tactile hallucinations may feel as though they are being touched, crawling sensations, or even pressure on their body. These hallucinations can be distressing and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the cause and whether appropriate treatment is provided.

4. Olfactory and gustatory hallucinations

Olfactory hallucinations involve smelling things that aren’t actually present, while gustatory hallucinations involve tasting things that aren’t there. These types of hallucinations are less common but can occur in conditions such as schizophrenia and dementia and as side effects of certain medications. People experiencing these hallucinations may perceive strong or unpleasant smells or tastes that others do not, which can be disorienting or distressing. While less frequent, these hallucinations can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, especially if left untreated. 

Is there treatment for hallucinations?

The treatment for hallucinations depends on the underlying cause, as these experiences can arise from a variety of conditions, including mental health disorders, substance use, neurological diseases, or even sleep deprivation. Addressing the root cause of the hallucinations is crucial for reducing or eliminating them. Here are four of the common approaches used to treat hallucinations.

1. Medications

Medications are the most common treatment for hallucinations, depending on the underlying cause. For those with mental health disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, antipsychotic medication is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms by altering brain chemistry to reduce hallucinations. Mood stabilizers or antidepressants may also be used, particularly for hallucinations linked to mood disorders. Additionally, for those experiencing substance-induced hallucinations from drug use or alcohol withdrawal, detoxification and medications for withdrawal and antipsychotics for psychosis are essential.

2. Therapy and counseling

Therapies, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be highly effective in treating hallucinations, especially for those with mental health disorders. CBT helps people reframe their thoughts, challenge delusional thinking, and develop coping strategies to manage distressing experiences. For those with sleep-related hallucinations, therapy often focuses on improving sleep hygiene and addressing underlying concerns like anxiety or stress, which may contribute to sleep deprivation and the hallucinations that result.

3. Hospitalization and medical supervision

In severe cases of hallucinations, especially those related to acute psychosis or substance withdrawal, hospitalization may be necessary. In a hospital setting, medical professionals can closely monitor the patient’s condition, adjust medications, and provide a safe, controlled environment for recovery. This is particularly critical for people experiencing delirium or delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal, as hallucinations in these situations can be intense and potentially life-threatening.

4. Lifestyle and supportive care

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important in managing hallucinations. Getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress can improve overall mental health and help reduce the frequency of sleep-related hallucinations. Additionally, support groups can offer people emotional support, helping them feel less isolated and more equipped to cope with the challenges of hallucinations. These supportive measures can empower people to better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health condition, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.