Tuntohallusinaatiot

Tuntohallusinaatiot refer to sensory experiences that involve the sense of touch, but which are not caused by any external stimuli. These can range from feeling sensations like crawling, itching, or burning on the skin to more complex perceptions of being touched, prodded, or even attacked by something unseen. They are a type of hallucination, a perception in the absence of an external stimulus.

These experiences can occur in a variety of contexts. They are sometimes associated with certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, and can also be a symptom of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or severe depression. Substance use, particularly hallucinogenic drugs, can also induce tactile hallucinations. Additionally, they can arise from physical conditions affecting the nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy, or from severe sleep deprivation.

The subjective experience of a tuntotohallusinaatio can be distressing for the individual. The nature and intensity of the sensation can vary greatly. For example, some individuals might feel phantom sensations in limbs that have been amputated, a phenomenon known as phantom limb syndrome, which can include tactile hallucinations. Others might report feeling insects crawling on or under their skin, often referred to as formication. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation to identify any underlying causes. Treatment strategies depend on the etiology and may include medication, psychotherapy, or management of the primary condition.