title: Cognitive behavioural therapy group work with voice hearers. Part 1.
abstract: This study presents a small, randomised control trial of cognitive behavioural interventions within a group setting for the treatment of auditory hallucinations. In a sample of 20 voice hearers, 10 were randomly allocated to an eight-session cognitive behavioural therapy group, and 10 underwent psychiatric 'treatment as usual'. Baseline assessments were undertaken. Measures of control, power, frequency and symptoms of distress and anxiety, were recorded on assessment and on completion of the group. The groups achieved a significant reduction in frequency of auditory hallucinations and in the beliefs about the power of the voice. Satisfaction measures also suggested that the group participants valued the group and benefited from the structured sessions. Universality, the recognition that other people experience very similar problems, was one of the most beneficial factors of the intervention. This study suggests that group cognitive behavioural therapy was helpful in the treatment of auditory hallucinations.
authors.affiliation: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust/University of Birmingham.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: McLeod
authors.forename: Mervyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birchwood
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dovey
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome