Evaluation of a CBT group treatment for in-patients with auditory hallucinations : a pilot study

• Main Author: Ehntholt, Kimberly A.
• Published: King's College London (University of London) 2001
• Subjects: 616.89
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.508231

This study compares a group receiving cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) for auditory hallucinations to a control group, who received standard care only. All group members were adult in-patients who experienced distressing auditory hallucinations. Four CBT groups were conducted, three by individual clinical psychologists and one by nursing staff, who first participated in a brief training programme. The treatment groups provided education about 'voices', coping strategies, self-esteem building exercises, as well as general discussion and support. Evaluation included both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods. The effectiveness of the group treatment was evaluated in terms of measurable improvement in severity of auditory hallucinations, total number of psychiatric symptoms, level of insight into psychotic illness, beliefs about 'voices', and number of available coping strategies. In addition, the nursing staff were evaluated on their ability to follow the protocol and conduct CB T groups to standards equivalent to that of experienced clinical psychologists.