Gillian Haddock

Cognitive behavior therapy for persistent auditory hallucinations: From theory to therapy*

In this paper we briefly review psychological research into the causes and treatment of auditory hallucinations. A model of hallucinations is described in which it is hypothesized that hallucinatory experiences occur when there is a failure to attributed internal, mental events to the self. One implication of the model is that, by focusing on the characteristics and meaning of their hallucinations, hallucinating patients may learn to reattributed their voices to themselves. We present preliminary data from six chronically ill patients taking part in a trial of this kind of treatment. Three of the patients showed evidence of a decrease in the amount of time spent hearing voices, together with a reduction in the distress experienced as a consequence of the voices.

Psychological Treatment of Chronic Auditory Hallucinations: Two Case Studies

Two cases involving the cognitive-behavioural treatment of hallucinations are described. In both cases, a focusing strategy was used with a view to enabling patients to reattribute the nature and meaning of their experiences. One patient showed a marked reduction in the frequency and content of his voices. The second patient showed little change. The implications of observations made during therapy for the future development of cognitive-behavioural strategies for use with psychotic patients are discussed.