A term used to denote a subclass of the "misidentification syndrome in which the events on television are perceived as occurring in external, three-dimensional space. The TV sign is a relatively common "cognitive illusion occurring in the context of senile dementia, especially when complicated by " visual hallucinations or " illusions. The affected individual may be under the mistaken impression that a person appearing on TV is actually present in his or her home. This may lead to behavioural reactions such as a refusal to undress while people on TV may be 'watching', fearful reactions to violent scenes, and attempts to interact with persons seen on TV. Eti-ologically, the TV sign is not necessarily associated with Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia. Two related misidentification syndromes are the " magazine sign, and the " picture sign. The TV sign should not be confused with the " television-induced hallucination.
References
Karim, S., Burns, A. (2003). The biology of psychosis in older people. Journal of Geriatry, Psychiatry, and Neurology, 16, 207-212.
Rubin, E.H., Drevets, W.C., Burke, W.J. (1988). The nature of psychotic symptoms in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 1, 16-20.
Dictionary of Hallucinations. J.D. Blom. 2010.