What is the difference between hallucinations and delusions?

Hallucinations and delusions are both types of disturbances that can occur in various psychological disorders, but they differ fundamentally in their nature. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur without any external stimuli; this means that a person experiencing a hallucination may see, hear, or feel things that are not actually there. For instance, an individual might hear voices when no one is speaking to them or see objects that do not exist in reality.

On the other hand, delusions pertain to firmly held false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or confrontation with actual evidence. These beliefs are not based on reality and are often implausible in nature, such as believing one has superpowers or is being persecuted without any legitimate proof.

This distinction highlights why the correct choice indicates that hallucinations involve perceptions without external stimuli, while delusions are characterized as false beliefs. Understanding this difference is crucial for diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, as the management strategies may differ significantly depending on whether a patient is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or both.