On 20 Oct 2009 at 12:39, [email protected] wrote: > > (3) Can sleep deprivation or a high fever "cause" visual hallucinations? >
For sleep deprivation, the answer is an unqualified "yes". At one time, probably in the 1960's, sleep deprivation studies were common (although one of the most interesting, to my mind, was Katz and Landis back in 1935). A common finding was the development of visual hallucinations (and very painful eyes). Going from memory, I recall the case of the disk jockey who tried to set an on-air record; during a brief break, he opened a drawer in his hotel room, and started screaming that it had burst into flame. My favourite, though, was the subject who was described as adjusting well to extensive sleep deprivation but the author added as an afterthought that the subject did claim he was being followed by a lamp post (paranoia was another often-reported feature). Stephen Katz, S. and Landis, C. (1935). Psychologic and physiologic phenomena during a prolonged vigil. A.M.A. Archives of Neurology and Psychiatry, 34: 307-- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, Emeritus Bishop's University e-mail: [email protected] 2600 College St. Sherbrooke QC J1M 1Z7 Canada ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
