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Group treatment of auditory hallucinations

Exploratory study of effectiveness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Til Wykes ,
Ann-Marie Parr  and
Sabine Landau
Til Wykes*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, London
Ann-Marie Parr
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, London
Sabine Landau
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, London
*
T. Wykes, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF. e-mail: t.wykes@iop.bpmf.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Cognitive–behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing psychotic symptoms, but few patients have access to these services. Group cognitive treatment may provide a less costly service with similar benefits.

Aims

To explore the effectiveness of group cognitive–behavioural therapy on insight and symptoms, particularly auditory hallucinations.

Method

Twenty-one DSM–IV diagnosed patients with schizophrenia with treatment-resistant, distressing auditory hallucinations were referred to a group programme consisting of six sessions of cognitive treatment following a strict protocol which emphasised individual power and control as well as coping strategies.

Results

There were significant changes in all three main outcome measures following treatment; those changes were maintained at follow-up and were greater than changes over the waiting-list period. Specifically, there were changes in perceived power and distress as well as increases in the number and effectiveness of the coping strategies.

Conclusions

Group treatment for auditory hallucinations needs further investigation but does look promising and may provide a less costly alternative to individual cognitive treatment.

Type
Preliminary Report
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 2 , August 1999 , pp. 180 - 185
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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