A comparison of auditory hallucinations in a psychiatric and non-psychiatric group.
OBJECTIVE
To compare auditory hallucinations in a psychiatric and non-psychiatric sample.


METHODS
Between-participants group design: a psychiatric group of 14 patients with schizophrenia, and a non-psychiatric group of 16 participants with tinnitus.


METHODS
Participants were interviewed using the Mental Health Research Institute Unusual Perceptions Scale (MUPS).


RESULTS
The type of hallucinations differed: participants with tinnitus predominantly heard music, whereas the patients with schizophrenia heard voices speaking. The groups also differed in their explanations of the hallucinations. However, there were similarities in contributory factors, emotional responses and coping strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the auditory hallucinatory experience, and opportunities for intervention.
Johns
Louise C
LC
Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. l.johns@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Hemsley
David
D
Kuipers
Elizabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology*