Coenesthetic hallucinations are a particular and little-known symptom within psychopathology. They often go unnoticed or are misinterpreted, which can make it difficult to identify and properly treat those who experience them.
What are kinesthetic hallucinations?
To understand kinesthetic hallucinations, it is essential to understand what is meant by kinesthesia. Coenesthesia is the internal perception of physiological and visceral sensations, such as body temperature, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion. Under normal conditions, these sensations are processed by the nervous system automatically, contributing to the balance and well-being of the individual.
Kinaesthetic hallucinations involve the perception of internal sensations that have no real physical or physiological basis. In other words, the person experiences subjective bodily sensations that may be strange, abnormal or unusual, without there being an external stimulus to justify them. These sensations are experienced as real and can cause discomfort, confusion, and anxiety in the person experiencing them.
Characteristics of kinesthetic hallucinations
Kinaesthetic hallucinations can manifest in various ways, including:
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensations on the skin.
- Internal pressure or feeling of "something moving" inside the body.
- Pain without apparent physical cause.
- Sensation of swelling, contraction or distortion of parts of the body.
These sensations can be constant or intermittent, and their intensity can vary from mild to mild. to very intense. Kinesthetic hallucinations can affect any part of the body, although some people may experience them more focused in specific areas.
Causes of kinesthetic hallucinations
Kinesthetic hallucinations may be associated with different medical, psychiatric or neurological conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Psychiatric disorders
In some cases, kinesthetic hallucinations may be related to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, or mental disorders. of anxiety. These bodily sensations may be part of a broader picture of psychotic or dissociative symptoms, and their presence requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.
Somatoform disorders
Somatoform disorders are characterized by the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a known medical condition. Kinesthetic hallucinations can be one of the main symptoms in disorders such as hypochondria or somatization disorder, where the perception of abnormal bodily sensations generates constant anxiety and worry.
Neurological lesions
In some cases, kinesthetic hallucinations may be the result of injuries or dysfunctions in the central or peripheral nervous system. Lesions in specific brain areas, sensory processing disorders or peripheral neuropathies can alter sensory perception and lead to abnormal kinesthetic experiences.
Consumption of psychoactive substances
The abuse of psychoactive substances such as Stimulant drugs, hallucinogens or alcohol can trigger kinesthetic hallucinations as part of an acute intoxication condition. These sensations are usually temporary and subside once the effects of the substance wear off, but their persistence may indicate a more serious health problem that requires medical attention.
Treatment of kinesthetic hallucinations
The treatment of kinesthetic hallucinations will depend on the underlying cause and the individual evaluation of each case. It is essential to carry out a thorough evaluation, which includes the medical history, physical examination and, in some cases, complementary tests to rule out organic causes.
Psychotherapeutic intervention
In cases where hallucinations Kinesthetic disorders are associated with psychological or emotional disorders, psychological therapy can be of great help. Cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or body-focused therapy may be helpful in addressing irrational beliefs or dysfunctional thought patterns that maintain kinesthetic experiences.
Pharmacological treatment
In some cases, especially when kinesthetic hallucinations are associated with psychiatric disorders, treatment with medications may be necessary. Antipsychotics, anxiolytics or antidepressants can help reduce the intensity of kinesthetic experiences and improve the patient's psychological well-being.
Multidisciplinary approach
Given the complexity of kinesthetic hallucinations and its possible relationship with multiple factors, a multidisciplinary approach that involves professionals from psychiatry, neurology, psychology and other health disciplines is essential. Collaboration between specialists allows for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the symptom.
Conclusions
Kinaesthetic hallucinations are an intriguing and multifaceted symptom that can have a significant impact on the lives of those who experience them. Understanding the nature of these experiences, identifying their possible causes and offering appropriate treatment are key aspects to improve the quality of life of patients.
In the presence of kinesthetic hallucinations, it is essential to seek professional help and perform a complete evaluation to determine the origin of the symptom and establish an effective treatment plan. With a comprehensive approach and a personalized approach, it is possible to manage and reduce the impact of kinesthetic hallucinations on the daily lives of affected people.