Answer :
The patient currently experiences _Delusion_.
The patient's experience aligns with the characteristics of a delusion rather than an illusion or hallucination. A delusion is a fixed false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. In this case, the patient's belief that her own shadow is her husband suggests a distorted perception of reality. This belief persists over time and is not subject to rational reasoning or evidence, indicating a delusional state.
Unlike illusions, which involve misperceptions or misinterpretations of real sensory stimuli, the patient's experience goes beyond mere sensory distortion. Similarly, while hallucinations involve perceiving sensory stimuli that are not present, the patient's belief about her shadow does not involve sensory perception but rather a distorted belief about the nature of reality. Therefore, the patient's experience is better characterized as a delusion, reflecting a significant disruption in her thought process and perception of reality.
Delusions are commonly associated with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia but can also occur in other psychiatric conditions. In this case, the patient's delusion may be linked to her profound distress and feelings of abandonment following her husband's announcement of separation. The delusion serves as a coping mechanism to alleviate her fear of being alone and to maintain a sense of connection with her husband, despite the impending separation.