Does Childhood Trauma Lead to Sustained Hallucinations in Preschool-Aged Children? A Case Report

Hallucinations in children have not typically been viewed as synonymous with psychosis. They can even be part of normal development or can be associated with other psychiatric disorders. These hallucinations are sometimes referred to as non-psychotic hallucinations. An association between childhood trauma and psychosis has been demonstrated several times.
A six-year-old child was analyzed as a follow-up study over a period of three years by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. During the study, he was referred to the psychiatric hospital three times for aggression and hallucinations. Despite his several admissions to the psychiatric hospital and receipt of vigorous treatment, he maintained clear and sustained hallucinations that never diminished. At the last outpatient follow-up, his mother revealed physical abuse by his father. Laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography results were unremarkable.
Based on our experience and knowledge, this child, who has had three years of sustained and non-psychotic hallucinations, is a rare case. In addition, this case proves that the diagnostic complexity of hallucinations in children of preschool age requires a high level of precision and thoroughness. That is, these hallucinations may be associated with adversities experienced by the child. This article discusses how trauma may manifest in characteristic symptoms of psychosis, particularly hallucinations.