Hallucinations can persist for many years after childhood sexual
abuse. If we recognise this, we will not mis-diagnose psychosis and we
may treat with psychotherapy (talk). The hallucinations are distinct
from hallucinations in schizophrenia though patients have frequently
been given that diagnosis. They would generally be classified as
pseudo-hallucinations. They are generally self-referential. They can
involve all sensory modalities. Three case reports illustrate this
link. Methods for interviewing and providing ongoing help are
discussed. Issues in phenomenology and diagnosis are
considered. Post-traumatic stress disorder is the best diagnostic fit,
though psychotic depression may explain some cases. Freud's case of
Frau P (1896) was an early report of this link.