The impact of current media events on hallucinatory content: The experience of the intensive care unit (ICU) patient

Objectives. To investigate the influence of current media events on hallucinatory content in ICU patients. Design and methods. Patients were interviewed over a one-year period, and their descriptions of hallucinatory experiences, together with weekly media stories, were assessed for themes of war. Results. Media coverage for war-related stories rose significantly during the period of war in Kosovo (24/3/99-20/6/99). Patients whose ICU stays coincided with this conflict were more likely to have hallucinatory experiences involving themes of war or the military. Older adults (> 70) were also more susceptible to this effect. Conclusions. Contextual variables such as current media events can have a significant impact upon the contents of hallucinatory experiences.