Final answer:
Sensory perceptions of people or objects that are not present, such as hallucinations, are particularly associated with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that affects the ability to differentiate reality from imagination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensory perceptions of people or objects that are not present in the external environment can occur in several different states. One of the key conditions associated with such perceptions, notably hallucinations, is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by a range of symptoms including difficulty differentiating reality from imagination, which often manifests as hearing voices or experiencing delusions. The condition is typically diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood and is associated with malfunctioning dopaminergic neurons. Treatment often involves antipsychotic medications that block dopamine receptors, aiming to decrease dopamine neurotransmission in the brain.
While hallucinations and delusions can also occur in other conditions such as delirium, dementia, or other psychotic states, schizophrenia is particularly noted for these types of sensory misperceptions. Additionally, it's important to recognize that these experiences can profoundly affect learning and cognitive function, as well as emotional and social behavior.
Learn more about Schizophrenia