AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION'S DEFINITION OF HALLUCINATIONS

   In 1975, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) defined hallucinations as follows: "A false sensory perception in the absence of an actual external stimulus. May be induced by emotional and other factors such as drugs, alcohol, and stress. May occur in any of the senses."

   References

   American Psychiatric Association (1975). Apsy-chiatric glossary. Fourth revised edition.New York, NY: Basic Books.