Hallucinations in Non-Psychotic Children: A Case Report of Anxiety-Induced Symptoms
Location
LSUHSC-NO
Publication Date
April 2026
Start Date
9-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Although uncommon, there have been several reports suggesting that auditory hallucinations occur in non-psychotic children, (1) with even fewer experiencing visual hallucinations. These hallucinations have primarily occurred in children experiencing anxiety, depression, migraine, and trauma, (2). In this report, we describe the case of a 9-year-old girl with auditory and visual command hallucinations in the context of significant anxiety.
Case Description: The authors present a case of auditory and visual hallucinations in a 9-year-old female seen for inpatient care for suicidal ideation and hallucination. There were no obvious triggers or indications of an organic cause, and there were no other signs of psychosis. The patient disclosed that she had experienced hallucinations since she was 4 years old and that they increased in intensity at night, when she was alone, and when she experienced increased anxiety and stress. The patient was treated with psychotropic medication and appropriate supportive therapies that helped her identify her stressors and improve her coping skills. The patient reported subjective improvement in the intensity and frequency of the hallucinations as her stress and anxiety improved.
Discussion: This case provides further evidence of longstanding auditory and visual hallucinations in a non-psychotic child experiencing significant anxiety.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Marcus MD, MBA; Hunt-Tobey, Bridget MS; and Fanklin, Claire MD, "Hallucinations in Non-Psychotic Children: A Case Report of Anxiety-Induced Symptoms" (2026). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 22.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2026/posters/22
Hallucinations in Non-Psychotic Children: A Case Report of Anxiety-Induced Symptoms
LSUHSC-NO
Introduction: Although uncommon, there have been several reports suggesting that auditory hallucinations occur in non-psychotic children, (1) with even fewer experiencing visual hallucinations. These hallucinations have primarily occurred in children experiencing anxiety, depression, migraine, and trauma, (2). In this report, we describe the case of a 9-year-old girl with auditory and visual command hallucinations in the context of significant anxiety.
Case Description: The authors present a case of auditory and visual hallucinations in a 9-year-old female seen for inpatient care for suicidal ideation and hallucination. There were no obvious triggers or indications of an organic cause, and there were no other signs of psychosis. The patient disclosed that she had experienced hallucinations since she was 4 years old and that they increased in intensity at night, when she was alone, and when she experienced increased anxiety and stress. The patient was treated with psychotropic medication and appropriate supportive therapies that helped her identify her stressors and improve her coping skills. The patient reported subjective improvement in the intensity and frequency of the hallucinations as her stress and anxiety improved.
Discussion: This case provides further evidence of longstanding auditory and visual hallucinations in a non-psychotic child experiencing significant anxiety.