Which statement is a perceptual abnormality?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Obsessions
• C. Self-harm history
• D. Tangential thought

Answer: (A)

Perceptual abnormalities involve sensory experiences that occur without external stimuli. Hallucinations fit this because they are real-looking sensory experiences—like hearing voices or seeing things—that aren’t actually present. Obsessions are intrusive cognitive thoughts, not sensory experiences. A history of self-harm reflects behavior or intent, not perception. Tangential thought describes disorganized thinking, which is a cognitive process issue rather than a sensory experience. Therefore, hallucinations are the perceptual abnormality.