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Persisting Auditory Hallucinations: Prospects for Non-medication Interventions in a Hospital Population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

John Farhall  and
Nicholas Voudouris
John Farhall
Affiliation:
La Trobe University
Nicholas Voudouris
Affiliation:
La Trobe University
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Abstract

The potential efficacy of recently developed cognitive and behavioural treatments (CBT) for residual hallucinations raises practical questions about the extent of applicability of such treatments and the possible need for programmatic responses by mental health services. This pilot study, conducted in a 355-bed acute and rehabilitation psychiatric hospital, explored the prevalence of persisting auditory hallucinations, patients' coping strategies, and indicators for cognitive and behavioural treatments. A census identified 123 patients with persisting hallucinations. Information about practical impediments to CBT was obtained from structured interviews with staff. Detailed interviews with a subsample of 35 hallucinators identified natural coping strategies and indicators for treatment. High rates of natural coping strategies were reported by this very disabled sample. Fifty-three per cent of hallucinators were considered “potential” candidates, and 20% “good” candidates for CBT for voices.

Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 13 , Issue 2 , June 1996 , pp. 112 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1996

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References

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