BODY SIGNAL ALERT/HALLUCINATIONS: TREATMENT
The treatment for hallucinations depends on the underlying cause, whether it’s a physical illness or an emotional one. If the hallucinations are caused by an infection or a fever, these conditions will need to be brought under control with medication, either aspirin or antibiotics. If the hallucinations are the result of drug or alcohol withdrawal, a person may need to be hospitalized and/or sedated. For people with a long-term psychiatric illness or Alzheimer’s disease, ongoing treatment that includes therapy, medication, and support will be necessary.
The family of a person who is having hallucinations faces special problems; some don’t know whether to force the person into treatment or to agree with the hallucinations, like saying that you “see the rats, too.” I’d say that your criterion for deciding what to do should be based on keeping the person from hurting herself. The important thing to keep in mind is that not only does the person with the hallucinations need support, but you and the other caregivers need support in order to learn how to cope with the situation. Ask your relative’s doctor for advice.
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