J. Farhall et N. Voudouris, PERSISTING AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS - PROSPECTS FOR NON-MEDICATION INTERVENTIONS IN A HOSPITAL POPULATION, Behaviour change, 13(2), 1996, pp. 112-123
The potential efficacy of recently developed cognitive and behavioural
treatments (CBT) for residual hallucinations raises practical questio
ns about the extent of applicability of such treatments and rite possi
ble need for programmatic responses by mental health services. This pi
lot study, conducted in a 355-bed acute and rehabilitation psychiatric
hospital, explored the prevalence of persisting auditory hallucinatio
ns, patients' coping strategies. and indicators for cognitive and beha
vioural treatments, A census identified 123 patients with persisting h
allucinations. Information about practical impediments to CBT was obta
ined from structured interviews with staff. Detailed interviews with a
subsample of 35 hallucinators identified natural coping strategies an
d indicators for treatment. High rates of natural coping strategies we
re reported by this very disabled sample, Fifty-three per cent of hall
ucinators were considered ''potential'' candidates, and 20% ''good'' c
andidates for CBT for voices.