Visual-Tactile Phobic Hallucinations in a Child With Stimulant-Managed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Hallucinations are not uncommon in the pediatric population, and they can occur in a variety of presentations influenced by medical and non-medical factors. This case report summarizes existing literature concerning visual-tactile phobic hallucinations (VTPH) and describes a case with a unique presentation: VTPH in a child with stimulant-managed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Observations made in this case and in those like it are used to characterize VTPH as a distinct psychiatric phenomenon that is observed in children without metabolic, neurologic, or other medical involvement. When it is a primary psychiatric symptom, VTPH typically has an acute but benign course that benefits not from a medically intensive approach, but rather one that explores psychosocial influences and provides reassurance and support.