Visual release hallucinations

Visual release hallucinations
Other namesCharles Bonnet syndrome (CBS)
SpecialtyPsychiatry, ophthalmology, optometry, neurology
Diagnostic methodPsychosis, delirium, or dementia[1]

Visual release hallucinations, also known as Charles Bonnet syndrome or CBS, are a type of psychophysical visual disturbance in which a person with partial or severe blindness experiences visual hallucinations.

First described by Charles Bonnet in 1760,[2][3] the term Charles Bonnet syndrome was first introduced into English-speaking psychiatry in 1982.[4] A related type of hallucination that also occurs with lack of visual input is the closed-eye hallucination.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ de Morsier, G (1967). "Le syndrome de Charles Bonnet: hallucinations visuelles des vieillards sans deficience mentale" [Charles Bonnet syndrome: visual hallucinations of the elderly without mental impairment]. Ann. Méd.-Psychol. (in French). 125: 677–701.
  3. ^ Vukicevic, Meri; Fitzmaurice, Kerry (2008). "Butterflies and black lacy patterns: The prevalence and characteristics of Charles Bonnet hallucinations in an Australian population". Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology. 36 (7): 659–665. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9071.2008.01814.x. PMID 18983551. S2CID 205492511.
  4. ^ Berrios, German E.; Brook, Peter (1982). "The Charles Bonnet Syndrome and the Problem of Visual Perceptual Disorders in the Elderly". Age and Ageing. 11 (1): 17–23. doi:10.1093/ageing/11.1.17. PMID 7041567.