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Salt E, Skeffington P, Reddyhough C, Paulik G. Assessment of Voice Content for Voice Hearers: Psychometric Evaluation of the Perth Voice Content Questionnaire. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2991. [PMID: 38706173 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The experience of hearing voices is common to an estimated 7% of the general population, with the presence of negative content being the best predictor of whether individuals will require clinical support. Whilst largely neglected in the literature to date, there are calls to consider the significance of voice content for reducing voice-related distress. However, no quantitative and comprehensive measure of voice content with suitability for research and clinical use exists. This pilot study aimed to demonstrate preliminary psychometric properties of a newly developed measure, the Perth Voice Content Questionnaire (PVCQ), designed to measure the intensity and themes of positively and negatively valenced voice content, primarily of the dominant voice. The PVCQ and measures of voice severity and related beliefs were completed by 47 voice-hearing participants. The measure was found to be internally consistent, loaded onto two distinct factors of positive and negative content, and these factors were associated with voice-related distress and negative beliefs about voices and positive beliefs about voices, respectively, indicating good validity. The PVCQ offers the first self-report measure of voice content, with preliminary psychometric properties indicating its suitability for clinical and research use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Salt
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Petra Skeffington
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caitlin Reddyhough
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Translational Research Division, Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Translational Research Division, Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Smith L, Rossell SL, Thomas N, Toh WL. Intersections of phenomenology, voice beliefs and distress in bipolar disorder: a comparison with schizophrenia. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:78-92. [PMID: 37749628 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), or voice-hearing, can be a prominent symptom during fluctuating mood states in bipolar disorder (BD). AIMS The current study aimed to: (i) compare AVH-related distress in BD relative to schizophrenia (SCZ), (ii) examine correlations between phenomenology and voice beliefs across each group, and (iii) explore how voice beliefs may uniquely contribute to distress in BD and SCZ. METHOD Participants were recruited from two international sites in Australia (BD=31; SCZ=50) and the UK (BD=17). Basic demographic-clinical information was collected, and mood symptoms were assessed. To document AVH characteristics, a 4-factor model of the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale and the Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised were used. Statistical analyses consisted of group-wise comparisons, Pearson's correlations and multiple hierarchical regressions. RESULTS It was found that AVH-related distress was not significantly higher in BD than SCZ, but those with BD made significantly more internal attributions for their voices. In the BD group, AVH-related distress was significantly positively correlated with malevolence, omnipotence and resistance, However, only resistance, alongside mania and depressive symptoms, significantly contributed to AVH-related distress in BD. DISCUSSION Our findings have several clinical implications, including identification of voice resistance as a potential therapeutic target to prioritise in BD. Factoring in the influence of mood symptoms on AVH-related distress as well as adopting more acceptance-oriented therapies may also be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Smith
- National and Specialist CAMHS, At-Risk and Forensic Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Hayward M, Berry K, Bremner S, Cavanagh K, Dodgson G, Fowler D, Gage H, Greenwood K, Hazell C, Bibby-Jones AM, Robertson S, Touray M, Dailey N, Strauss C. Increasing access to CBT for psychosis patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating brief, targeted CBT for distressing voices delivered by assistant psychologists (GiVE3). Trials 2023; 24:588. [PMID: 37715255 PMCID: PMC10503006 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07611-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is offered to all patients with a psychosis diagnosis. However, only a minority of psychosis patients in England and Wales are offered CBT. This is attributable, in part, to the resource-intensive nature of CBT. One response to this problem has been the development of CBT in brief formats that are targeted at a single symptom and are deliverable by briefly trained therapists. We have developed Guided self-help CBT (the GiVE intervention) as a brief form of CBT for distressing voices and reported evidence for the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) when the intervention was delivered by briefly trained therapists (assistant psychologists). This study will investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the GiVE intervention when delivered by assistant psychologists following a brief training. METHODS This study is a pragmatic, two-arm, parallel group, superiority RCT comparing the GiVE intervention (delivered by assistant psychologists) and treatment as usual to treatment as usual alone, recruiting across three sites, using 1:1 allocation and blind post-treatment and follow-up assessments. A nested qualitative study will develop a model for implementation. DISCUSSION If the GiVE intervention is found to be effective when delivered by assistant psychologists, this intervention could significantly contribute to increasing access to evidence-based psychological interventions for psychosis patients. Furthermore, implementation across secondary care services within the UK's National Health Service may pave the way for other symptom-specific and less resource-intensive CBT-informed interventions for psychosis patients to be developed and evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN registration number: 12748453. Registered on 28 September 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK.
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK.
| | - Katherine Berry
- Faculty of Biology, University of Manchester, Medicine & Health, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Kate Cavanagh
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Guy Dodgson
- Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Heather Gage
- School of Biosciences & Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | | | - Cassie Hazell
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7HX, UK
| | - Anna-Marie Bibby-Jones
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Sam Robertson
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
| | - Morro Touray
- School of Biosciences & Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Natalie Dailey
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
| | - Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RH, UK
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, BN3 7HZ, UK
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Rammou A, Berry C, Fowler D, Hayward M. Distress factors of voice-hearing in young people and social relating: Exploring a cognitive-interpersonal voice-hearing model. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:939-957. [PMID: 35773751 PMCID: PMC9795969 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the factors that can maintain the distress related to voice-hearing experiences in youth. Building upon understandings developed with adults, this study aimed to explore the associations between negative relating between hearer and voices, persecutory beliefs about voices and voice-related distress in a clinical sample of adolescents. The study also aimed to investigate associations between relating to voices and wider patterns of social relating. DESIGN This was an observational, cross-sectional, survey study. METHODS Thirty-four young people (age 14-18 years) who were hearing voices completed measures about voices (characteristics, relating and beliefs) and relating to social others (negative relating styles, social connectedness and belongingness). Participants were patients of NHS mental health services. Bivariate correlations explored associations between relating to voices and distress, beliefs about voices and distress, and between relating to voices and social relating variables. RESULTS Perceiving the voices as dominant, intrusive, and persecutory and resisting them was significantly associated with distress. Adjusting for loudness and negative content rendered the association between persecutory beliefs and distress non-significant. Fear of separation and of being alone in relation to social others was associated with distancing from voices. Being suspicious, uncommunicative and self-reliant and/or being sadistic and intimidating towards social others was significantly associated with dependence towards the voices. Greater hearer-to-voice dependence was associated with lower perceived social belongingness and connectedness. CONCLUSIONS Beliefs about voices being persecutory, dominant, intrusive and resisting voices seem to be significant contributors of distress in young people. In terms of proximity and power, relating to voices and social others appears to be contrasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Rammou
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Research & Development DepartmentSussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustBrightonUK
| | - Clio Berry
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - David Fowler
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Research & Development DepartmentSussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustBrightonUK
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK,Research & Development DepartmentSussex Partnership NHS Foundation TrustBrightonUK
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Cavelti M, Kaeser JM, Lerch S, Bauer S, Moessner M, Berger T, Hayward M, Kaess M. Smartphone-assisted guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy for young people with distressing voices (SmartVoices): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:902. [PMID: 36274185 PMCID: PMC9590132 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The long-standing view that auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) or hearing voices is a sign of schizophrenia has been challenged by research demonstrating that they lie on a continuum ranging from normal to pathological experience related to distress and need for care. Hearing voices is more prevalent in adolescence than in later life, and hearing voices during adolescence indicates a risk for severe psychopathology, functional impairments, and suicide later in life. While there is increasing evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for voices (CBTv) in adults with schizophrenia, research on psychological treatments for youth with distressing voices has been scarce. The aim of the current study is to examine the efficacy of CBTv, delivered using smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment Intervention (EMI) in a transdiagnostic sample of youth. Methods This is a superiority randomized controlled trial comparing 8 weeks of CBTv-based EMI in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU only. TAU covers both no treatment and any form of psychiatric/psychological treatment. In the EMI condition, participants will be prompted twice a day to complete an EMA survey, and receive one intervention proposal per assessment. One-hundred fifty-four youth aged 14–25 years with distressing voices will be recruited from psychiatric clinics, local private practices, internet forums, and advertisements in print and social media. Before and after the intervention phase, participants will undergo a 9-day EMA. Single-blinded assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0) and at 3-month (T1) and 6-month (T2) follow-up. The primary outcome is the distress dimension of the Auditory Hallucinations subscale of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales at T1. Secondary outcomes include perceived hostile intention, power, and dominance of voices, passive, aggressive, and assertive relating to voices, and negative core beliefs about the self. Discussion Adolescence provides a crucial window of opportunity for early intervention for hearing voices. However, youth are notoriously reluctant help-seekers. This study offers a low-intensity psychological intervention for youth with distressing voices beyond diagnostic boundaries that, using a mobile technology approach, may match the treatment preferences of the generation of “digital natives.” Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00026243. Registered on 2 September 2021 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06846-0.
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Rajanthiran L, Curtis G, Ayalde J, Orr K, Melvill-Smith P, Banerjee A, Schenk M, Wearne D. 'Is hearing believing?': A study of voices and beliefs in psychosis and trauma. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:547-551. [PMID: 35968743 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221106064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared voice characteristics and beliefs in participants diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dissociation, schizophrenia (SCZ) and both diagnoses of SCZ and PTSD. The relationship between dissociation and voice beliefs was also assessed. METHOD We identified 56 participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD with dissociation, SCZ or both diagnoses (PTSD + SCZ) who also experienced auditory hallucinations. Measures included PTSD Symptoms Scales Interview (PSSI-5), Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale (PSYRAT), Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS), Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS Beliefs about voices were similar across diagnostic groups. Participants with SCZ were more likely to attribute their voices to an external origin, and participants with dual diagnosis were less able to control their voices. The PTSD-only group scored higher in dissociation scores than either the SCZ-only or dual diagnosis group. Malevolent voice appraisals correlated with dissociation scores only in the dual diagnosis group. CONCLUSIONS This research supports the hypothesis that voice beliefs are similar across diagnoses of PTSD and SCZ. However, differences in voice characteristics, emotional responses and relationship to dissociation may need to be considered in the psychological management of voices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Curtis
- School of Psychology, UWA, Perth, Western Australia
| | | | - Kenneth Orr
- 103905Marian Center, Perth, Western Australia
| | | | - Amit Banerjee
- Headspace Youth Early Psychosis Program, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Meta Schenk
- 103905Marian Center, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Deborah Wearne
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth, Western Australia
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7
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Hjelmervik H, Craven AR, Johnsen E, Kompus K, Bless JJ, Sinkeviciute I, Kroken RA, Løberg EM, Ersland L, Grüner R, Sommer IE, Hugdahl K. Negative valence of hallucinatory voices as predictor of cortical glutamatergic metabolite levels in schizophrenia patients. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2446. [PMID: 34874613 PMCID: PMC8785643 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Negative emotional valence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) in schizophrenia can be a source of distress and is considered a strong predictor of illness severity. Previous studies have found glutamate to mediate AVH severity in frontal and temporal brain regions, however, they do not specifically address emotional valence of AVH. The role of glutamate for the experience of negative- versus positive emotional valence of AVH is therefore unknown and was investigated in the current study. METHODS Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), 37 schizophrenia patients had Glx (glutamate+glutamine) measured in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), and additionally in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the right STG, or in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Self-reported emotional valence in AVH was measured with the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ-R). RESULTS Results from linear mixed models showed that negative emotional valence was associated with reduced Glx levels across all four measured brain regions in the frontal and temporal lobe. More specifically, voices that were experienced to be omnipotent (p = 0.04) and that the patients attempted to resist (p = 0.04) were related to lower Glx levels. Follow-up analysis of the latter showed that voices that evoked emotional resistance (i.e., fear, sadness, anger), rather than behavioral resistance, was a significant predictor of reduced glutamate (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION The findings could indicate aberrant glutamatergic signaling, or increased NMDA-receptor hypoactivity in patients who experience their voices to be more emotionally negative. Overall, the study provides support for the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Hjelmervik
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University college, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander R Craven
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristiina Kompus
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Josef J Bless
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Igne Sinkeviciute
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A Kroken
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Ersland
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Renate Grüner
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Strawson WH, Wang HT, Quadt L, Sherman M, Larsson DEO, Davies G, Mckeown BLA, Silva M, Fielding-Smith S, Jones AM, Hayward M, Smallwood J, Critchley HD, Garfinkel SN. Voice Hearing in Borderline Personality Disorder Across Perceptual, Subjective, and Neural Dimensions. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:375-386. [PMID: 34940826 PMCID: PMC9154289 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) commonly occur in the context of borderline personality disorder (BPD) yet remain poorly understood. AVH are often perceived by patients with BPD as originating from inside the head and hence viewed clinically as "pseudohallucinations," but they nevertheless have a detrimental impact on well-being. METHODS The current study characterized perceptual, subjective, and neural expressions of AVH by using an auditory detection task, experience sampling and questionnaires, and functional neuroimaging, respectively. RESULTS Perceptually, reported AVH correlated with a bias for reporting the presence of a voice in white noise. Subjectively, questionnaire measures indicated that AVH were significantly distressing and persecutory. In addition, AVH intensity, but not perceived origin (i.e., inside vs outside the head), was associated with greater concurrent anxiety. Neurally, fMRI of BPD participants demonstrated that, relative to imagining or listening to voices, periods of reported AVH induced greater blood oxygenation level-dependent activity in anterior cingulate and bilateral temporal cortices (regional substrates for language processing). AVH symptom severity was associated with weaker functional connectivity between anterior cingulate and bilateral insular cortices. CONCLUSION In summary, our results indicate that AVH in participants with BPD are (1) underpinned by aberrant perceptual-cognitive mechanisms for signal detection, (2) experienced subjectively as persecutory and distressing, and (3) associated with distinct patterns of neural activity that inform proximal mechanistic understanding. Our findings are like analogous observations in patients with schizophrenia and validate the clinical significance of the AVH experience in BPD, often dismissed as "pseudohallucinations." These highlight a need to reconsider this experience as a treatment priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will H Strawson
- Correspondence: Will H. Strawson, MSci, Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RY, UK ()
| | - Hao-Ting Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Falmer, UK
| | - Lisa Quadt
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Falmer, UK
| | - Maxine Sherman
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Falmer, UK,Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Dennis E O Larsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Department of Psychology, Falmer, UK,Leverhulme Trust London, UK
| | - Geoff Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Marta Silva
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Sarah Fielding-Smith
- University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK,Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna-Marie Jones
- University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Mark Hayward
- Department of Psychology, Falmer, UK,University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Jonathan Smallwood
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK,Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Falmer, UK,University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Sarah N Garfinkel
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,University of Sussex, Falmer, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
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9
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Hayward M, Jones AM, Strawson WH, Quadt L, Larsson DEO, Silva M, Davies G, Fielding-Smith S, Hazell CM, Critchley HD, Garfinkel SN. A cross-sectional study of auditory verbal hallucinations experienced by people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:631-641. [PMID: 34322956 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) does not currently feature in the main diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, there is accumulating evidence that a high proportion of BPD patients report longstanding and frequent AVHs which constitute a significant risk factor for suicide plans and attempts, and hospitalization. AIM This study addressed questions about the validity and phenomenology of AVHs in the context of BPD. The longer-term aim is to facilitate the development and translation of treatment approaches to address the unmet need of this population. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study, combining phenomenological and psychological assessments administered in person and online. We explored the experiences of 48 patients with a diagnosis of BPD who were hearing AVHs. RESULTS Participants gave 'consistent' reports on the measure of AVH phenomenology, suggesting that these experiences were legitimate. Similar to AVHs in a psychosis context, AVHs were experienced as distressing and appraised as persecutory. AVHs were found to be weakly associated with BPD symptoms. AVHs were also rated highly as a treatment priority by the majority of participants. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that AVH is a legitimate and distressing symptom of BPD and a treatment priority for some patients. The relative independence of AVHs from other BPD symptoms and emotional states suggests that psychological treatment may need to be targeted specifically at the symptom of AVHs. This treatment could be adapted from cognitive behaviour therapy, the psychological intervention that is recommended for the treatment of AVHs in the context of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hayward
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | | | - Will H Strawson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Lisa Quadt
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Dennis E O Larsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Leverhulme Trust, London, UK
| | - Marta Silva
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Geoff Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | | | - Cassie M Hazell
- Social Sciences Department, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Sarah N Garfinkel
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
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Tsang A, Bucci S, Branitsky A, Kaptan S, Rafiq S, Wong S, Berry K, Varese F. The relationship between appraisals of voices (auditory verbal hallucinations) and distress in voice-hearers with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses: A meta-analytic review. Schizophr Res 2021; 230:38-47. [PMID: 33667857 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioural models of auditory verbal hallucinations (voices) predict that the interpretation of voices determines the levels of distress experienced by voice-hearers. Examining the contribution of these voice appraisals is central to the delivery of effective psychological interventions for the management of distressing psychotic symptoms. This meta-analysis synthesised evidence from studies that tested the relationship between a range of appraisals and several distress measures (voice-related and emotional distress) in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses. A database search (PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science) was conducted for articles published up to August 2020. Twenty-eight eligible studies, comprising of 1497 clinical participants examined the association between eight voice appraisals and distress. Moderate to large summary effects (r ranging between 0.30 and 0.50) were observed in several analyses focusing on 'maladaptive' appraisals and beliefs about voices (malevolence, power, metaphysical beliefs, beliefs about loss of control, voice intrusiveness), with voice dominance having a large summary effect, r = 0.58, 95% CI [0.43, 0.69]. Positive appraisals and beliefs had small negative summary effects on distress. The magnitude of the observed effects was similar across subgroup analyses considering measures of voice-related distress, anxiety and depression. The findings of this evidence synthesis broadly corroborate cognitive-behavioural models of distressing voices, but suggested that factors other than voice appraisals may also predict the distress and impairment caused by hallucinatory experiences in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Nonetheless, our findings confirm that voice appraisals are an important and meaningful target for treatment in help-seeking voice hearers with psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Tsang
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Safa Kaptan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sonya Rafiq
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Samantha Wong
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Unit, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester. 2(nd) Floor, Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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11
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Dellazizzo L, Potvin S, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. One-year randomized trial comparing virtual reality-assisted therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2021; 7:9. [PMID: 33580033 PMCID: PMC7881089 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-021-00139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The gold-standard cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis offers at best modest effects. With advances in technology, virtual reality (VR) therapies for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), such as AVATAR therapy (AT) and VR-assisted therapy (VRT), are amid a new wave of relational approaches that may heighten effects. Prior trials have shown greater effects of these therapies on AVH up to a 24-week follow-up. However, no trial has compared them to a recommended active treatment with a 1-year follow-up. We performed a pilot randomized comparative trial evaluating the short- and long-term efficacy of VRT over CBT for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Patients were randomized to VRT (n = 37) or CBT (n = 37). Clinical assessments were administered before and after each intervention and at follow-up periods up to 12 months. Between and within-group changes in psychiatric symptoms were assessed using linear mixed-effects models. Short-term findings showed that both interventions produced significant improvements in AVH severity and depressive symptoms. Although results did not show a statistically significant superiority of VRT over CBT for AVH, VRT did achieve larger effects particularly on overall AVH (d = 1.080 for VRT and d = 0.555 for CBT). Furthermore, results suggested a superiority of VRT over CBT on affective symptoms. VRT also showed significant results on persecutory beliefs and quality of life. Effects were maintained up to the 1-year follow-up. VRT highlights the future of patient-tailored approaches that may show benefits over generic CBT for voices. A fully powered single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing VRT to CBT is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dellazizzo
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Dumais
- Research center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, Canada.
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada.
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12
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Dellazizzo L, Potvin S, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Reality-Assisted Therapy Following Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Auditory Hallucinations in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Proof of Concept. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3169. [PMID: 33007909 PMCID: PMC7601104 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis with another psychosocial intervention comprising virtual reality (VR)-assisted therapy (VRT) may improve targeted outcomes in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients. METHODS Ten participants having followed CBT were part of our comparative clinical trial comparing VRT to CBT and were selected at the end of the study as they desired to continue to achieve improvements with VRT (CBT + VRT). Clinical assessments were administered before/after treatments and at follow-ups. Changes in outcomes were examined using linear mixed-effects models. To gain a more in depth understanding on CBT + VRT, therapists' notes, and open interviews on a sub-group of patients were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS Findings showed that the sequence of both interventions was appreciated by all patients. Several significant improvements were found throughout time points on auditory verbal hallucinations, beliefs about voices, depressive symptoms, symptoms of schizophrenia and quality of life. Although most of these improvements were in similar range to those observed in our comparative trial, effects of CBT + VRT on depressive symptoms and symptoms of schizophrenia were larger than those found for either intervention alone. CONCLUSION This proof of concept is the first to merge gold-standard CBT with VRT for treatment refractory voices and to suggest a certain synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dellazizzo
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Dumais
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, 7331 Hochelaga, Montreal, QC H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut National de Psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC H1C 1H1, Canada
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13
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Hayward M, Schlier B, Strauss C, Rammou A, Lincoln T. Construction and validation of the Approve questionnaires - Measures of relating to voices and other people. Schizophr Res 2020; 220:254-260. [PMID: 32199714 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of psychological treatments for auditory hallucinations ('voices') needs to be enhanced. Some forms of novel treatment are working within relational frameworks to support patients to relate assertively to distressing voices. Yet, no measure of assertive relating to voices is available to assess the extent to which this skill is developed during therapy. This study aimed to assess the factor structure and validity of two new questionnaires: a measure of relating to voices and a measure of social relating. METHODS The relating measures were developed in consultation with members of the international research community and validated in a large sample (N = 402) of voice hearing patients within the UK. The measures were subjected to factor analysis and compared to measures of voice hearing, mental health and well-being to evaluate construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. RESULTS Factor analysis confirmed a three-dimensional set of items that measure assertive and non-assertive (passive and aggressive) relating. This resulted in the validation of the 'Approve' questionnaires - two 15-item measures of relating to voices and other people. CONCLUSION The Approve questionnaires can be used to assess a patient's suitability for relationally-based psychological therapies for distressing voices and the extent to which assertive relating skills are developed during the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hayward
- Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Nevill Avenue, Hove BN7 3HZ, UK.
| | - Björn Schlier
- Universität Hamburg, Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Von-Melle-Park 5, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
| | | | - Tania Lincoln
- Universität Hamburg, Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Von-Melle-Park 5, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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14
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Gmeiner A, Gaglia A, Habicher S, Rumpold T, Süßenbacher S, Schrank B, Amering M. Power to the voice hearer - The German version of the voice power differential scale. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230778. [PMID: 32214352 PMCID: PMC7098598 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Voice power is an important concept in daily life of voice hearers and in the support and therapy for voice hearers who seek help. Therefore, the ability to examine voice power differentials between a voice and a voice hearer is essential. The present study aimed to collect data on voice power differentials and to further validate the Voice Power Differential Scale (VPD). 105 participants aged ≥ 18 with an ICD10 F2-diagnosis that included hearing voices were included in this study. Internal consistency was good (alpha = 0.792), as well as test-retest-reliability (r = 0.855) and correlations with other constructs were generally as expected. The VPD questionnaire results correlated negatively with the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire-Revised’s (BAVQ-R) items of Benevolence and Engagement-emotion. It correlated positively with Omnipotence and Resistance-emotion, as well as with Negative Content on the Psychotic Symptoms Rating-Scale (PSYRATS). Unexpectedly, no correlations were found with overall severity and command hallucinations. The Voice Power Differential Scale is an important tool for assessing and formulating a voice hearer’s experience when they seek treatment or support for their verbal auditory hallucinations. The results of this study enrich the on-going discussion about the importance of voice power for voice hearers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Gmeiner
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - A. Gaglia
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Psychology, Bangor University Wales, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - S. Habicher
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T. Rumpold
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Süßenbacher
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - B. Schrank
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, University Clinic Tulln, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Amering
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Cavelti M, Thompson K, Hulbert C, Betts J, Jackson H, Francey S, McCutcheon L, Chanen AM. Testing the Interpersonal-Cognitive Model of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Youths with Either Early-Stage Borderline Personality Disorder or First-Episode Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Psychopathology 2020; 53:23-35. [PMID: 32289803 DOI: 10.1159/000505194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to explore interpersonal schemata in outpatient youths (age 15-25 years) with early-stage borderline personality disorder (BPD) and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). It also aimed to replicate, in a transdiagnostic youth sample, the finding from studies of adults with AVH that negative beliefs about the self and others lead to negative appraisals of voices, which in turn elicits depression. The following 3 groups were compared: youth with BPD+AVH (n = 23), youth with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SZ) with AVH (SZ+AVH, n = 20), and youths with BPD who did not experience AVH (BPD no AVH, n = 23). The BPD+AVH group reported more negative and fewer positive self schemata than the SZ+AVH group. They also saw themselves as being more socially inferior to others than did the SZ+AVH group, but they did not differ in appraisals of self or others, compared with the BPD no AVH group. In youths with AVH (BPD+AVH, SZ+AVH combined), the indirect effect of beliefs about self or others, via negative appraisals of voices on depression, was not significant. Instead, a significant indirect effect of negative appraisals of voices on depression, via negative beliefs about self, was found. The experience of AVH during adolescence and young adulthood, when the identity is still being formed, might have a more profound effect on the developing self than during later adulthood, when the self is more stable and resilient. Negative self-appraisals might constitute a treatment target for early intervention for youths with distressing voices, including those with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Cavelti
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Thompson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carol Hulbert
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Betts
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Henry Jackson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shona Francey
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise McCutcheon
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew M Chanen
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
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16
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Smelror RE, Bless JJ, Hugdahl K, Agartz I. Feasibility and Acceptability of Using a Mobile Phone App for Characterizing Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Adolescents With Early-Onset Psychosis: Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2019; 3:e13882. [PMID: 31094321 PMCID: PMC6537505 DOI: 10.2196/13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are the most frequent symptom in early-onset psychosis (EOP) and a risk factor for increased suicide attempts in adolescents. Increased knowledge of AVH characteristics can lead to better prediction of risk and precision of diagnosis and help identify individuals with AVH who need care. As 98% of Norwegian adolescents aged 12 to 16 years own a mobile phone, the use of mobile phone apps in symptom assessment and patient communication is a promising new tool. However, when introducing new technology to patients, their subjective experiences are crucial in identifying risks, further development, and potential integration into clinical care. Objective The objective was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed mobile phone app in adolescents with EOP by examining compliance with the app and user experiences. Indication of validity was explored by examining associations between AVH dimensions, which were correlated and analyzed. Methods Three adolescents with EOP and active AVH were enrolled. Real-time AVH were logged on an iPod touch using the experience sampling method (ESM), for seven or more consecutive days. The app included five dimensions of AVH characteristics and was programmed with five daily notifications. Feasibility and acceptability were examined using the mean response rate of data sampling and by interviewing the participants. Validity was assessed by examining associations between the AVH dimensions using nonparametric correlation analysis and by visual inspection of temporal fluctuations of the AVH dimensions. Results One participant was excluded from the statistical analyses but completed the interview and was included in the examination of acceptability. The sampling period of the two participants was mean 12 (SD 6) days with overall completed sampling rate of 74% (SD 30%), indicating adequate to high compliance with the procedure. The user experiences from the interviews clustered into four categories: (1) increased awareness, (2) personal privacy, (3) design and procedure, and (4) usefulness and clinical care. One participant experienced more commenting voices during the sampling period, and all three participants had concerns regarding personal privacy when using electronic devices in symptom assessment. The AVH dimensions of content, control, and influence showed moderate to strong significant correlations with all dimensions (P<.001). Days of data sampling showed weak to moderate correlations with localization (P<.001) and influence (P=.03). Visual inspection indicated that the app was able to capture fluctuations within and across days for all AVH dimensions. Conclusions This study demonstrates the value of including patients’ experiences in the development and pilot-testing of new technology. Based on the small sample size, the use of mobile phones with ESM seems feasible for patients with EOP, but the acceptability of using apps should be considered. Further investigation with larger samples is warranted before definitive conclusions are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runar Elle Smelror
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Josef Johann Bless
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Agartz
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Cavelti M, Thompson K, Hulbert C, Betts J, Jackson H, Francey S, Chanen A. Preliminary Evidence for the Cognitive Model of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Youth With Borderline Personality Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:292. [PMID: 31156473 PMCID: PMC6531498 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This is the first study to explore cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to voices in youth with borderline personality disorder (BPD) compared with those with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SZ), and to examine if negative appraisals of voices predict depression and anxiety across the groups. Methods: The sample comprised 43 outpatients, aged 15-25 years, who reported auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) and were diagnosed with either Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) BPD or SZ. Data were collected using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales, the revised Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire, the Voice Rank Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Results: Youth with BPD did not differ from youth with SZ in beliefs about the benevolence or malevolence of voices. Youth with BPD appraised their voices as more omnipotent and of higher social rank in relation to themselves, compared with youth with SZ. In both diagnostic groups, beliefs about malevolence and omnipotence of voices were correlated with more resistance toward voices, and beliefs about benevolence with more engagement with voices. In addition, perceiving the voices as being of higher social rank than oneself and negative voice content were both independent predictors of depression, irrespective of diagnostic group. In contrast, negative appraisals of voices did not predict anxiety after adjusting for negative voice content. Conclusions: This study replicated the link between negative appraisals of voices and depression that has been found in adults with SZ in a mixed diagnostic youth sample. It, thus, provides preliminary evidence that the cognitive model of AVH can be applied to understanding and treating voices in youth with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Cavelti
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, The University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Thompson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carol Hulbert
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Betts
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry Jackson
- University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, The University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shona Francey
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Chanen
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Orygen Youth Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Gmeiner A, Aslan J, Gaglia A, Rumpold T, Schrank B, Süßenbacher S, Amering M. [Beliefs and distress related to hearing voices: the German version of the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire-Revised (BAVQ-R)]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2018; 32:214-221. [PMID: 30267381 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-018-0291-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beliefs about voices are a determining factor with regards to distress, coping and therapeutic interventions in verbal auditory hallucinations. Aim of the present study was to use and validate the internationally well established Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire-Revised (BAVQ-R) in a German translation with people suffering from schizophrenic psychoses. METHODS 93 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and current verbal auditory hallucinations completed the BAVQ-R autonomously for their dominant voice. Sociodemographic and clinical data as well as data concerning the severity of illness (CGI-Sch) and symptom specific dimensions of voice-hearing (PSYRATS-AH) were collected. Construct validity, reliability and test-retest-reliability were calculated. RESULTS Each of the subscales (malevolence, benevolence, resistance, engagement) with the exception of the subscale omnipotence showed satisfying internal consistency. Good test-retest-reliability was shown for the belief-subscales but not for emotion and behaviour in resistance and engagement. Significant correlations between the subscales showed the expected results, comparable to the results of the original BAVQ-R study. No correlations with severity of the illness, but with amount and intensity of distress through voices and their negative contents correlations were found. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE The BAVQ-R is a feasible instrument to collect data about beliefs about voices in a valid and reliable way in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. From a therapeutic as well as from a scientific point of view, the question about the conceptualization of the relationship between cognition, emotion and behaviour stays relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gmeiner
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich.
| | - Jessica Aslan
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Amy Gaglia
- Abteilung für Psychologie, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, Großbritannien
| | - Tamara Rumpold
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Beate Schrank
- Universitätsklinik Tulln, Abteilung für Erwachsenenpsychiatrie, Karl Landsteiner Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Tulln an der Donau, Österreich
| | - Stefanie Süßenbacher
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Michaela Amering
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
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