A Yale study challenges the long-held belief that hallucinations precede delusions in psychosis. Researchers analyzed three large cohorts of individuals at high risk for or experiencing psychosis, consistently finding delusions emerged first, even during relapses. This suggests that brain misinterpretation of prediction errors may cause delusions, with hallucinations a secondary response. The findings could lead to earlier interventions and better prevention of psychotic disorders by targeting brain hyperexcitability.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.