Cognitive therapy for auditory hallucinations as an alternative to antipsychotic medication: A case series

Antipsychotic medication is the main focus of current treatment approaches to schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms. However, there are some disadvanta ges to such treatments including side-effects, non-response and non-complia nce. Cognitive behavioural interventions have been employed successfully as an adjunct to medication, and two case studies suggest that such intervent ions can be of benefit to patients as an alternative to antipsychotic medic ation. Four patients received cognitive therapy for auditory hallucinations as an alternative to antipsychotic medication and were assessed weekly use d a semi-structured interview that quantifies dimensions of psychotic sympt oms. Measurements occurred over a two week baseline period, during interven tion and at follow-up. Three of the four patients seemed to find the treatm ent acceptable. Two patients achieved significant decreases in conviction, distress and frequency. Cognitive therapy may be a useful alternative to me dication for auditory hallucinations. A more controlled evaluation is requi red. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.