ABSTRACT
Two major flaws in the DSM-IV definition of hallucination are addressed: 1) it fails to distinguish pathological from nonpathological experiences; and 2) it fails to consider cultural beliefs in determining whether an experience is hallucinatory. These omissions are discussed within the context of an evolving concept of the term hallucination and an expanding vocabulary used to describe unshared sensory experiences. A revised definition is proposed.
Subject(s)
Hallucinations/diagnosis , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics & numerical data , Diagnosis, Differential , Hallucinations/classification , Hallucinations/psychology , Humans , Psychometrics , PsychopathologyABSTRACT
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been at the center of a debate over its potential benefits as an adjunct to psychotherapy versus its capability for neurotoxic effects and is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, as yet, there is very little methodological data on the subjective experience of the MDMA-induced state or its psychological and behavioral sequelae. The present study was, therefore, designed to obtain this kind of information. Twenty psychiatrists who had taken MDMA previously were evaluated using a semistructured interview. Subjective experience of the actual MDMA-induced state, as well as both short-term (less than 1 week) and relatively longer term (greater than 1 week) sequelae, were examined retrospectively. Side effects, insight gained, pleasure, and intensity of the MDMA experience were evaluated as were the influence of set and setting at the time the MDMA was taken and the dosage utilized. Finally, the authors discuss methodological problems and limitations of a study of this type.