Early psychological intervention for auditory hallucinations: an exploratory study of young people's voices groups.
Twenty to fifty percent of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia continue to hear voices despite taking neuroleptic medication. Trials of group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with auditory hallucinations have shown promising results. Auditory hallucinations may be most amenable to psychological intervention during a 3-year critical period after symptom onset. This study evaluates the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for young people with recent-onset auditory hallucinations (N = 22), using a waiting list control. Outcome measures were administered at four separate time points. Significant reductions in auditory hallucinations occurred over the total treatment phase, but not over the waiting period. Further investigations in the form of randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Newton
Elizabeth
E
Early Intervention Service and Department of Psychology, Mental Health Services, Wulstan Unit, Newtown Hospital, Newtown Road, Worcester WR5 1JG, UK.
Landau
Sabine
S
Smith
Patrick
P
Monks
Paul
P
Shergill
Sukhi
S
Wykes
Til
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists