Recognizing Hallucinations in Psychotic Disorders

A 28-year-old patient with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. During a group therapy session, the patient appears distracted and frequently responds to voices that others cannot hear. The patient's psychiatrist notes that these symptoms can significantly interfere with their daily functioning.

In this situation, it's important for nursing staff to focus on the patient's ability to differentiate between self-generated thoughts and those that are not real. The correct approach to support this patient is to assist them in understanding the nature of their condition and reinforce the concept that these thoughts are a manifestation of their disorder. This leads to a vital statement that needs to be completed: 'Individuals with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, often experience __________, which can alter their perception of reality.'