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Takeda T, Nakataki M, Umehara H, Numata S. Associations between negative and positive automatic thoughts and clinical variables in patients with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 35:100298. [PMID: 38115993 PMCID: PMC10728565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2023.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the relationships between negative and positive automatic thoughts and clinical variables in patients with schizophrenia. The participants included 36 patients with schizophrenia (male = 16; female = 20; age = 42.86 ± 9.40) who were outpatients in the Department of Psychiatry at Tokushima University Hospital. We used the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Revised (ATQ-R), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) to assess negative and positive automatic thoughts, positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, and neurocognition, respectively. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationships between negative and positive automatic thoughts and clinical variables. No relationship was observed between negative and positive automatic thoughts. Negative automatic thoughts were related to depressive symptoms. Positive automatic thoughts were related to neurocognition. We therefore surmise that each automatic thought might have different clinical features and outcomes, and should therefore be treated accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Takeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Japan
| | - Masahito Nakataki
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Umehara
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Japan
| | - Shusuke Numata
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Japan
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2
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Dudley R, Turkington D, Coulthard N, Pyle M, Gumley A, Schwannauer M, Kingdon D, Morrison AP. Childhood Trauma in Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia: Prevalence, and Relationship With Symptoms. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2023; 4:sgad030. [PMID: 39145330 PMCID: PMC11207680 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Background and Hypothesis The role of early adversity and trauma is increasingly recognized in psychosis but treatments for trauma and its consequences are lacking. Psychological treatments need to understand the prevalence of these experiences, the relationship with specific symptoms and identify potentially tractable processes that may be targeted in therapy. It was hypothesized that greater adversity, and specifically abuse rather than neglect, would be associated with positive symptoms and specifically hallucinations. In addition, negative beliefs would mediate the relationship with positive symptoms. Study Design 292 Patients with treatment resistant psychosis completed measures of early adversity as well as current symptoms of psychosis. Study Results Early adversity in the form of abuse and neglect were common in one-third of the sample. Adversity was associated with higher levels of psychotic symptoms generally, and more so with positive rather than negative symptoms. Abuse rather than neglect was associated with positive but not with negative symptoms. Abuse rather than neglect was associated with hallucinations but not delusions. Abuse and neglect were related to negative beliefs about the self and negative beliefs about others. Mediation demonstrated a general relationship with adversity, negative-self, and other views and overall psychotic symptoms but not in relation to the specific experience of abuse and hallucinations. Females were more likely to be abused, but not neglected, than males. Conclusions Whilst most relationships were modest, they supported previous work indicating that adversity contributes to people with psychosis experiencing distressing symptoms especially hallucinations. Treatments need to address and target adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dudley
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DDUK
| | - Douglas Turkington
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, UK
| | - Naomi Coulthard
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3XT, UK
| | - Melissa Pyle
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich, M25 3BL, UK
| | - Andrew Gumley
- School of Health & Wellbeing, University of, Glasgow Clarice Pears Building, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8TBUK
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - David Kingdon
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, Academic Centre, CollegeKeep 4-12 Terminus Terrace Southampton SO14 3DT, UK
| | - Anthony P Morrison
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich, M25 3BL, UK
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3
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Chen Y, Li R, Liu X. Positive or Negative: Differences in Self–Other Representations Among Chinese Social Networking Users. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.5406/19398298.135.3.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This study explored differences (positive or negative) in self–other representations among Chinese social networking (Weibo) users with high or low popularity. Through the crawling program of Python software, 413 Weibo users (180 male, 43.58%) with their 5,823 microblog updates were selected as participants. The variables in this study (i.e., self-representation, other representation, relational self, and positive and negative representations) used the word frequency of the corresponding words in the microblog text as an indicator. Results indicated that for high-popularity users and low-popularity users, their expressions of self-representation and relational self were both associated with the expressions of positive emotions in general. Specifically, the association between self-representation and positive emotions was higher among low-popularity users than high-popularity users, whereas the association between relational self and positive emotions was higher in high-popularity users than low-popularity users. Practical implications and future directions of this study's findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Chen
- Beijing Normal University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology
| | - Ruoxuan Li
- Beijing Normal University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology
| | - Xiangping Liu
- Beijing Normal University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology
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Brand RM, Badcock JC, Paulik G. Changes in positive and negative voice content in cognitive-behavioural therapy for distressing voices. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:807-819. [PMID: 35523677 PMCID: PMC9542164 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People who experience distressing voices frequently report negative (e.g. abusive or threatening) voice content and this is a key driver of distress. There has also been recognition that positive (e.g. reassuring, or guiding) voice content contributes to better outcomes. Despite this, voice content has been neglected as a standalone outcome in evaluations of psychological therapies for distressing voices. We aimed to examine whether a modular cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for voices led to changes in negative and positive voice content. DESIGN/METHODS In a naturalistic, uncontrolled pre- and post- service evaluation study, 32 clients at an outpatient psychology service for distressing voices received eight sessions of CBT for distressing voices and completed self-report measures of negative and positive voice content at pre-, mid- and post- therapy. RESULTS There was no significant change in positive voice content. There was no significant change in negative voice content from pre- to post-therapy; however, there was a significant change in negative voice content between mid and post-treatment in which the cognitive therapy component was delivered. The CBT treatment was also associated with significant changes in routinely reported outcomes of voice-related distress and voice severity. CONCLUSIONS The cognitive component of CBT for distressing voices may be associated with changes in negative, but not positive, voice content. There may be benefit to enhancing these effects by developing treatments targeting specific processes involved in negative and positive voice content and further exploring efficacy in well-powered, controlled trials with more comprehensive measures of voice content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Brand
- School of Health and Behavioural SciencesUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsQueenslandAustralia
| | - Johanna C. Badcock
- Perth Voices ClinicMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia,School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- Perth Voices ClinicMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia,School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia,Discipline of PsychologyMurdoch UniversityMurdochWestern AustraliaAustralia
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5
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Kusztrits I, Toh WL, Thomas N, Larøi F, Meyers D, Hirnstein M, Rossell S. From core schemas about the self and others to voice phenomenology: Anxiety and depression affect voice hearers differently. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:493-507. [PMID: 35157776 PMCID: PMC9305789 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12384] [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: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) occur as a symptom in various mental disorders, and show different phenomenological aspects, depending on their underlying psychopathology. Anxiety and depression, which are known to be involved in the development of AVHs, are suggested to amplify a vicious cycle in which negative interpretations of daily experiences feed into the formation of negative core schemas about the self and others. However, the way in which these variables interrelate is still unknown. Therefore, our aim was to determine the specific roles of anxiety and depression in the relationship between core schemas and emotional aspects of AVHs for three groups (non-clinical voice hearers, affective voice hearers and non-affective voice hearers). METHODS Positive and negative core schemas of the self and others were tested as predictors of emotional distress due to AVHs, examining anxiety and depression separately as potential mediators. RESULTS Results showed full mediating effects of depression in non-affective voice hearers in the relationship between negative core schemas and AVH distress, but not in affective voice hearers. Anxiety was not a mediator in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest different emotional mechanisms depending on the underlying psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Kusztrits
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,NORMENT Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders ResearchUniversity of Bergen & Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,NORMENT Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders ResearchUniversity of Bergen & Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research UnitUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Denny Meyers
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Marco Hirnstein
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,NORMENT Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders ResearchUniversity of Bergen & Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Susan Rossell
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,PsychiatrySt Vincent’s HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Palmer-Cooper E, McGuire N, Wright A. Unusual experiences and their association with metacognition: investigating ASMR and Tulpamancy. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2022; 27:86-104. [PMID: 34743647 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1999798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unusual experiences in Tulpamancer and Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) communities are generally positive and sought after, unlike hallucinations and delusions in clinical populations. Metacognition, the ability to reflect on self-referential experiences, may aid sense-making around unusual experiences, reducing distress. This study investigated group differences in hallucination-proneness, delusion-proneness, and metacognition in these communities compared to controls, and whether metacognition predicted unusual experiences. METHODS 243 participants reporting ASMR, Tulpamancy, or neither, with no history of psychosis, took part in an online observational study. Participants completed the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, and Brief Core Schema Scales to capture metacognition. A Tulpamancer+ (reporting ASMR) group was identified and included in analyses. ANCOVAs highlighted group differences in hallucination-proneness, with Tulpamancer+ scoring higher, and metacognitive beliefs, with Tulpamancers reporting lower metacognitive belief endorsement. There were no group differences in delusion-proneness, self-reflection, or self-schemas. Stepwise regression demonstrated metacognition does influence unusual experiences in the non-clinical population, and this influence varies across groups. CONCLUSIONS In non-clinical populations, unusual sensory experiences are not associated with increased metacognitive beliefs, but having multiple unusual experiences is associated with higher hallucination-proneness. Results suggest improving metacognition in clinical groups may help reduce distress related to unusual sensory experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Palmer-Cooper
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Nicola McGuire
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Abigail Wright
- Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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7
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Rosebrock L, Lambe S, Mulhall S, Petit A, Loe BS, Saidel S, Pervez M, Mitchell J, Chauhan N, Prouten E, Chan C, Aynsworth C, Murphy E, Jones J, Powling R, Chapman K, Dudley R, Morrison A, O’Regan E, Clark DM, Waite F, Freeman D. Understanding agoraphobic avoidance: the development of the Oxford Cognitions and Defences Questionnaire (O-CDQ). Behav Cogn Psychother 2022; 50:1-12. [PMID: 35166196 PMCID: PMC9378026 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with mental health disorders become increasingly isolated at home due to anxiety about going outside. A cognitive perspective on this difficulty is that threat cognitions lead to the safety-seeking behavioural response of agoraphobic avoidance. AIMS We sought to develop a brief questionnaire, suitable for research and clinical practice, to assess a wide range of cognitions likely to lead to agoraphobic avoidance. We also included two additional subscales assessing two types of safety-seeking defensive responses: anxious avoidance and within-situation safety behaviours. METHOD 198 patients with psychosis and agoraphobic avoidance and 1947 non-clinical individuals completed the item pool and measures of agoraphobic avoidance, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, depression and paranoia. Factor analyses were used to derive the Oxford Cognitions and Defences Questionnaire (O-CDQ). RESULTS The O-CDQ consists of three subscales: threat cognitions (14 items), anxious avoidance (11 items), and within-situation safety behaviours (8 items). Separate confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated a good model fit for all subscales. The cognitions subscale was significantly associated with agoraphobic avoidance (r = .672, p < .001), social anxiety (r = .617, p < .001), generalized anxiety (r = .746, p < .001), depression (r = .619, p < .001) and paranoia (r = .655, p < .001). Additionally, both the O-CDQ avoidance (r = .867, p < .001) and within-situation safety behaviours (r = .757, p < .001) subscales were highly correlated with agoraphobic avoidance. The O-CDQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (cognitions Cronbach's alpha = .93, avoidance Cronbach's alpha = .94, within-situation Cronbach's alpha = .93) and test-re-test reliability (cognitions ICC = 0.88, avoidance ICC = 0.92, within-situation ICC = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS The O-CDQ, consisting of three separate scales, has excellent psychometric properties and may prove a helpful tool for understanding agoraphobic avoidance across mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laina Rosebrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Sinéad Lambe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Mulhall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Ariane Petit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Bao S Loe
- The Psychometrics Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simone Saidel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Maryam Pervez
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joanna Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Nisha Chauhan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eloise Prouten
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cindy Chan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Aynsworth
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Julia Jones
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rosie Powling
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Kate Chapman
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Robert Dudley
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anthony Morrison
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eileen O’Regan
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - David M Clark
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Felicity Waite
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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Zanello A, Dugré JR. Preliminary Evidence for Heterogeneity of Beliefs About Auditory Verbal Hallucinations Intent. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:872-878. [PMID: 34846355 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Perceptions of patient's auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), commonly termed voices, have important impacts on their everyday lives. Despite research emphasizing the consequences of malevolent voices, preliminary results suggest that beliefs about voices may not be mutually exclusive. As such, we aimed to characterize the heterogeneity of beliefs about AVHs and describe their clinical correlates. We recruited 78 patients referred to a Voices group therapy for refractory and distressing voices. Based on the Revised Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire, clustering analysis yielded four subgroups of patients with distinct pattern of beliefs about AVHs. These subgroups differed significantly in terms of affective disturbances, engagement, and resistance to their voices. Furthermore, no significant changes in beliefs about voices were observed after 6 weeks. Results of the current study suggest that the heterogeneity regarding the beliefs about AVHs should be targeted in treatment to reduce their associated negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Zanello
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Gin K, Stewart C, Abbott C, Banerjea P, Bracegirdle K, Browning S, Byrne M, Emsley R, Ginestet C, Hirsch C, Kuipers E, Laurens KR, Onwumere J, Plant D, Valmaggia L, Jolley S. Psychosocial predictors of distressing unusual experiences in adolescence: Testing the fit of an adult cognitive model of psychosis. Schizophr Res 2021; 237:1-8. [PMID: 34461373 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For adults with psychosis, international guidelines recommend individual and family based cognitive behavioural therapy interventions. Recommendations are extended to children and adolescents, based on adult research. It is also recommended that psychological interventions are offered for childhood presentations of psychotic-like or Unusual Experiences (UE), in the absence of a formal diagnosis, when these are Distressing (UEDs). Cognitive models underpinning these interventions require testing in adolescent populations, to further refine therapies. We address this need, by testing for the first time, the application of the adult cognitive model of psychosis to adolescent UEDs. METHODS We used baseline data from the Coping with Unusual ExperienceS (CUES+) randomised controlled trial for 122 clinically referred adolescents (12-18 years) with self-reported UEDs. Known psychological mechanisms of adult cognitive models of psychosis; negative life events, affect (anxiety and depression), reasoning (jumping to conclusions bias), and schemas were investigated using multiple linear regression models, alongside variables particularly associated with the development and severity of adolescent UEDs and UE type (dissociation, externalising/behavioural problems, managing emotions). RESULTS The psychological mechanisms of adult cognitive models of psychosis explained 89% of the total variance of adolescent UED severity, F (10, 106) = 99.34, p < .0005, r2 = 0.89, with schemas as the principal significant contributor. Variance explained 40 - 72% across each of the UE types (paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, paranormal thinking and grandiosity). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the psychological components of adult cognitive models of psychosis, particularly schemas, are also implicated in adolescent UEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Gin
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
| | | | - Chris Abbott
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Partha Banerjea
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | | | - Sophie Browning
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Majella Byrne
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Richard Emsley
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Cedric Ginestet
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Colette Hirsch
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK; King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kuipers
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kristin R Laurens
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK; Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Psychology and Counselling, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Juliana Onwumere
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Deborah Plant
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Lucia Valmaggia
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Suzanne Jolley
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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10
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Raffard S, Bortolon C. Approche psychologique des hallucinations et de l’expérience d’entente de voix : prises en charge psychologiques fondées sur les preuves (partie II). ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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11
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Scott M, Rossell SL, Toh WL, Thomas N. Understanding the role of self in auditory verbal hallucinations using a self-discrepancy paradigm. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94 Suppl 2:268-285. [PMID: 32285626 PMCID: PMC8246718 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Negative auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) content is a major predictor of distress and typically occurs more frequently than positive or neutral content. Recent research has found that negative views of self are associated with the negative content of AVHs. However, research investigating the role of self in AVH content is in its infancy and warrants further study. DESIGN The current study examined correspondence between negative voice content and internalized representations of self, using a self-discrepancy paradigm incorporating multiple domains of self (ideal, ought, and feared). It also considered the impact of depression and anxiety. METHOD An adapted self-discrepancy questionnaire was administered to a transdiagnostic clinical sample of 86 current voice-hearers. Participants rated how similar they believed themselves to be (actual self), and how similar their voices would say they are (voice self), to their ideal, ought, and feared self-concepts. RESULTS Voice content was related to how the person viewed themselves in relation to their ideal, ought, and feared self-concepts. Additionally, voices reflected negative feared self-concepts, particularly in people with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide further insight into the phenomenon of hearing voices and have the potential to change the way we approach formulation and treatment of AVHs. In particular, treatment approaches that reduce discrepancies between how one views themselves and their positive and negative self-concepts, or alter the relationship one has with their self-concepts and negative voices, have the potential to reduce the impact of distressing voices. PRACTITIONER POINTS Voice experiences can be meaningfully related to how the person views themselves in relation to concepts of their ideal, ought, and feared selves Negative voice content might be understood as reflecting discrepancies from these self-representations, which may have a self-regulatory function in relation to goal-directed behaviour. Identifying how voice content relates to self could be useful in not only challenging the extent of perceived self-discrepancies, but also considering how to enact valued parts of self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Scott
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Susan L. Rossell
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,PsychiatrySt Vincent's HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,The Alfred HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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12
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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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13
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Bortolon C, Brand RM, Altman R, Matos M. Beyond trauma: the contribution of characteristics of shame memories, shame, and self-criticism to voice-hearing proneness. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01438-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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14
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Beaudoin M, Potvin S, Machalani A, Dellazizzo L, Bourguignon L, Phraxayavong K, Dumais A. The therapeutic processes of avatar therapy: A content analysis of the dialogue between treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia and their avatar. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:500-518. [PMID: 33484042 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because the therapeutic processes of Avatar Therapy remain equivocal, the current study aims to further extend our previous findings by analysing the evolution of the avatars' and patients' speech and changes in patient responses as sessions progressed. DESIGN Eighteen patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia were selected from two clinical trials on Avatar Therapy. Three coders analysed both the avatars' and patients' discourse during immersive therapy sessions using content analysis methods. RESULTS Our analyses enabled the categorization of the avatar discourse into confrontational techniques (e.g., provocation) and positive techniques (e.g., reinforcement). Patients responded to these utterances using coping mechanism or by expressing emotions, beliefs, self-perceptions or aspirations. Through identification of mutual changes in the interaction between the patient and their avatar, a shift was observed over the sessions from confrontation to a constructive dialogue. Assertiveness, emotional responses and prevention strategies seemed to be central to the therapeutic process, and these usually occur in response to positive techniques. CONCLUSION Investigating AT's therapeutic process may help to identify components to achieve positive outcomes and can enable the development of more effective treatments. Further studies should explore the association between these themes and therapeutic response to help predict which patients will better respond to Avatar Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Beaudoin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center, University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center, University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandra Machalani
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Laura Dellazizzo
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center, University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lysandre Bourguignon
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center, University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Dumais
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Research Center, University Institute in Mental Health of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Canada
- Services et Recherches Psychiatriques AD, Montreal, Canada
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15
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Taylor CD, Harper SF. Early maladaptive schema, social functioning and distress in psychosis: A preliminary investigation. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cp.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D.j. Taylor
- Early Intervention Service, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Accrington, UK,
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,
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16
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Scott M, Rossell SL, Meyer D, Toh WL, Thomas N. Childhood trauma, attachment and negative schemas in relation to negative auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) content. Psychiatry Res 2020; 290:112997. [PMID: 32470717 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs, or hearing voices) are particularly characterized by negative content such as criticism and threats. The extent of negative content is a major predictor of distress, yet there is limited research on what contributes to the content of AVHs. The current study aimed to assess the relationships between childhood trauma, attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) and negative self schemas as plausible mechanisms underlying negative AVH content. Structural equation modelling was used to test a theoretical model, including these constructs, in a transdiagnostic sample of 140 people with AVHs. Findings indicated that collectively, emotional trauma during childhood, insecure anxious attachment and negative self schemas predicted the proportion of negative AVH content experienced by voice hearers. Whereby, trauma predicted attachment, which predicted schemas and in turn negative AVH content. This study marks an important step towards understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in negative AVHs. The results highlight the importance of recognising early experiences of trauma, adult attachment styles and self schemas in developing formulations and effective treatments for negative and distressing AVHs. Psychological interventions that target these underlying mechanisms of negative AVHs may lead to a reduction in negative content, thereby reducing voice related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Scott
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.
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17
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Why do patients with psychosis listen to and believe derogatory and threatening voices? 21 reasons given by patients. Behav Cogn Psychother 2020; 48:631-645. [PMID: 32723420 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around two-thirds of patients with auditory hallucinations experience derogatory and threatening voices (DTVs). Understandably, when these voices are believed then common consequences can be depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. There is a need for treatment targeted at promoting distance from such voice content. The first step in this treatment development is to understand why patients listen to and believe voices that are appraised as malevolent. AIMS To learn from patients their reasons for listening to and believing DTVs. METHOD Theoretical sampling was used to recruit 15 participants with non-affective psychosis from NHS services who heard daily DTVs. Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews and analysed using grounded theory. RESULTS Six higher-order categories for why patients listen and/or believe voices were theorised. These were: (i) to understand the voices (e.g. what is their motive?); (ii) to be alert to the threat (e.g. prepared for what might happen); (iii) a normal instinct to rely on sensory information; (iv) the voices can be of people they know; (v) the DTVs use strategies (e.g. repetition) to capture attention; and (vi) patients feel so worn down it is hard to resist the voice experience (e.g. too mentally defeated to dismiss comments). In total, 21 reasons were identified, with all participants endorsing multiple reasons. CONCLUSIONS The study generated a wide range of reasons why patients listen to and believe DTVs. Awareness of these reasons can help clinicians understand the patient experience and also identify targets in psychological intervention.
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is emerging that beliefs about voices are influenced by broader schematic beliefs about the self and others. Similarly, studies indicate that the relationship an individual has with their voice may mirror wider patterns of relating observed in social relationships, which may be influenced by schematic beliefs. AIMS This study examined associations between beliefs about voices and self and other schemas. Furthermore, associations between schemas and the perceived relationship between the hearer and their predominant voice were explored. METHOD Forty-four voice-hearing participants were recruited across mental health services. Participants completed self-report measures of beliefs about voices, schema functioning, and relating between the hearer and their voice. Dimensions of voice experience, such as frequency and content, were assessed using a clinician-rated scale. RESULTS Beliefs about voices correlated with negative voice content and schemas. After controlling for negative voice content, schemas were estimated to predict between 1 and 17% of the variance in the six measured beliefs about voices; three of the associations reached statistical significance. Negative-self schema were the strongest predictors of beliefs about voices, whilst positive-self also showed potential relationships. Schemas also correlated with dimensions of relating between the hearer and their voice. CONCLUSIONS In line with previous research, this study provides evidence that schemas, particularly self-schema, may be important in the development of beliefs about voices. This study offers preliminary findings to suggest that schemas are also associated with the perceived relationship between the hearer and their voice.
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19
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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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20
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Dugré JR, West ML. Disentangling compliance with command hallucinations: Heterogeneity of voice intents and their clinical correlates. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:33-39. [PMID: 31451299 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Earlier studies suggested that perceptions of voice intents (benevolence, malevolence) are associated with different psychological and behavioral responses including compliance with command hallucinations (CH). However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the clinical differences between subgroups of clients with different perceptions of the intents of their CH. In order to better understand the risk for compliance with CH, our objectives were 1) to compare sociodemographic and clinical profiles of subgroups of clients (based on perceptions of CH intents); and 2) to investigate their specific associated risk factors for compliance with CH. METHOD We analyzed the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, focusing on 181 participants with psychosis reporting CH. Group comparisons and within-group ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed using sociodemographic and clinical measures such as the BPRS, BIS-11 and NAS-PI. RESULTS Of the 181 participants, 102 (56.4%) reported having only malevolent voices, 14 (7.7%) rated them as benevolent only, 58 (32.03%) as benevolent and malevolent, and only 7 (3.86%) as neutral only. Results showed that individuals with malevolent voices had more emotional disturbance while those with benevolent CH had more severe positive psychotic symptoms and were more certain that they would comply in the future. Moreover, childhood physical abuse, belief about having to obey as well as psychotic symptoms significantly predict compliance with malevolent CH in a multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that researchers and clinicians should consider perceptions of voice intents when both assessing risk of compliance with CH and developing relevant intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules R Dugré
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, H1N 3V2, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Montreal H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Michelle L West
- CEDAR Clinic and Research Program, Boston, United States; Public Psychiatry Division of Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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21
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Paulik G, Hayward M, Jones AM, Badcock JC. Evaluating the "C" and "B" in brief cognitive behaviour therapy for distressing voices in routine clinical practice in an uncontrolled study. Clin Psychol Psychother 2019; 26:734-742. [PMID: 31472014 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Brief and single-symptom forms of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for distressing voices may increase access to evidence-based psychological therapy and transcend diagnostic barriers. The current study evaluated the "C" and "B" in CBT for distressing voices in a transdiagnostic voices clinic. The B module (component of therapy) sought to enhance coping with voices, and the C module evaluated the accuracy of negative beliefs about the self and voices. The aims of the study were to investigate (a) whether modules B and/or C led to significant and clinically meaningful improvements on the primary outcome of voice-related distress, and (b) if changes in beliefs about self and voices (proposed change mechanisms) underpinned changes in voice distress across module C. Each module consisted of four sessions, individually tailored yet manualized, and designed with ease of staff training and delivery in mind. Assessment measures were administered at baseline (T1), post-module B (T2), and post-module C (T3). The results (N = 62) showed statistically significant medium-sized pre- and post-effects for voice-related distress from T1 to T2 and from T2 to T3, with large effects from T1 to T3. Just over half of the clients reported clinically meaningful improvements from T1 to T3. Neither beliefs about self nor voices were found to mediate improvements in voice distress during module C. The findings from this study suggest that both the B and C in CBT for voices can contribute to positive outcomes within routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Paulik
- Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia.,School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Western Australia
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Anna-Marie Jones
- Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia.,School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Western Australia
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22
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Chawla N, Deep R, Khandelwal SK, Garg A. Beliefs about voices and their relation to severity of psychosis in chronic schizophrenia patients. Indian J Psychiatry 2019; 61:465-471. [PMID: 31579183 PMCID: PMC6767829 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_573_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory hallucinations may persist in a subset of chronic psychotic patients in spite of treatment. It is important to understand the personal meaning and significance of voices in these patients. In spite of its relevance, only a limited literature is available. AIM This exploratory study aimed to assess the beliefs regarding voices in treatment-seeking patients with chronic schizophrenia having persistent auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) and assess their relation to the severity of psychosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited thirty adult patients with chronic schizophrenia as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition with both lifetime and current significant AVHs (≥50% days/month). Co-occurring psychiatric disorders were ruled out using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-7.0.0. Patients were assessed using a semi-structured proforma, Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire-Revised (BAVQ-R), Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH)-severity. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 32 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23.8-40.5). The median duration of illness and treatment was 7 years (IQR: 3.4-15.0) and 3 years (IQR: 1.9-10.5), respectively. Higher BAVQ-R scores were found on "malevolence," "omnipotence," and "emotional and behavioral resistance." These beliefs had a significant positive correlation with PSYRATS hallucination subscale, but not with the severity of psychosis (SAPS, SANS, and CGI-SCH). The sample had lower scores for "benevolence" and "engagement" subscales of BAV-Q. CONCLUSION Overall, the study sample believed AVH to be more malicious and omnipotent rather than benevolent, and resisted the voices, engaging only minimally with them. These beliefs were not related to the severity of psychosis, but were related to the severity of hallucinations. Assessing the beliefs regarding AVH in larger, diverse samples may help to plan behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishtha Chawla
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raman Deep
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar Khandelwal
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Department of Psychiatry, Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay Garg
- Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
The 'eating disorder voice' experience has been reported by both clinicians and by patients with eating disorders (ED) as an important feature of eating psychopathology, however this has only become an area of research in the last decade. The main aim of this paper was to systematically review and synthesize the available literature on this topic. Systematic searches of seven electronic databases were performed up to June 2018. Thirteen peer-reviewed articles were identified. Findings suggested that the existence of an 'ED voice' is often recognized by patients with eating disorders and that this voice has a powerful, negative and omnipotent nature. Feelings of entrapment and defeat are commonly experienced in response to it and patients appear ambivalent towards it. The negative characteristics and responses to the voice are associated with eating disorder symptoms. Addressing the eating disorder voice using relational and interpersonal approaches has the potential to improve clinical and treatment outcomes for patients with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Aya
- a Section of Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience , King's College London , London , UK
| | - Kubra Ulusoy
- b MSc Mental Studies, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience , King's College London , London , UK
| | - Valentina Cardi
- a Section of Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience , King's College London , London , UK
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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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Beck AT, Himelstein R, Grant PM. In and out of schizophrenia: Activation and deactivation of the negative and positive schemas. Schizophr Res 2019; 203:55-61. [PMID: 29169775 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Theorists, clinicians, and investigators have attempted to find a common source for the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. We propose that a unified theory, based on a common cognitive structure not only has explanatory value, but can serve as a framework for a psychotherapeutic intervention. Specifically, we propose that the cognitive triad - the negative view of the self, others, and the future - is the source of the content for the negative and positive symptoms. We report literature supporting the relationship between each facet of the negative triad and each of the key symptoms: expressive negative symptoms, delusions, and verbal hallucinations. We conclude that the literature supports the validity of the cognitive model of negative and positive symptoms. The cognitive model furthers the understanding of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and we describe how this provides a framework for a psychotherapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Beck
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Paul M Grant
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA..
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Couto MLDO, Kantorski LP. Ouvidores de vozes: uma revisão sobre o sentido e a relação com as vozes. PSICOLOGIA USP 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-656420180077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Este estudo se trata de uma revisão sistematizada da literatura e teve como objetivo revisar os achados sobre o tema ouvidores de vozes, enfatizando a relação deles com suas vozes. A investigação foi realizada em duas bases de dados, PubMed e Lilacs, sem limite temporal e com os seguintes termos em inglês: “voice hearing” OR “auditory verbal hallucination”. A busca resultou no total de 2.464 títulos de artigos que foram examinados quanto à adequação ao objetivo. Identificaram-se 126 artigos para análise de texto completo, dos quais 35 preencheram critérios para inclusão. Evidenciou-se que o sentido que o ouvidor atribui às vozes está atrelado a sua história de vida, fazendo ele as considerar ameaçadoras, intrusivas, controladoras, ou gentis, amigáveis e positivas. Portanto, o sentido atribuído às vozes se mostrou determinante na relação que o ouvidor estabelecerá com elas mesmas, bem como a forma como ele se relaciona socialmente.
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Larøi F, Thomas N, Aleman A, Fernyhough C, Wilkinson S, Deamer F, McCarthy-Jones S. The ice in voices: Understanding negative content in auditory-verbal hallucinations. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 67:1-10. [PMID: 30553563 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Negative voice-content is the best sole predictor of whether the hearer of an auditory-verbal hallucination will experience distress/impairment necessitating contact with mental health services. Yet, what causes negative voice-content and how interventions may reduce it remains poorly understood. This paper offers definitions of negative voice content and considers what may cause negative voice-content. We propose a framework in which adverse life-events may underpin much negative voice-content, a relation which may be mediated by mechanisms including hypervigilance, reduced social rank, shame and self-blame, dissociation, and altered emotional processing. At a neurological level, we note how the involvement of the amygdala and right Broca's area could drive negative voice-content. We observe that negative interactions between hearers and their voices may further drive negative voice-content. Finally, we consider the role of culture in shaping negative voice-content. This framework is intended to deepen and extend cognitive models of voice-hearing and spur further development of psychological interventions for those distressed by such voices. We note that much of the relevant research in this area remains to be performed or replicated. We conclude that more attention needs to be paid to methods for reducing negative voice-content, and urge further research in this important area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Jones Lies vei 91, Bergen 5009, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; NORMENT - Norwegian Centre of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred and Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - André Aleman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sam Wilkinson
- Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Abstract
SummaryIn a previous article in this journal, Turkington et al suggested a number of psychological approaches that an individual can use to reduce the distress caused by hearing voices. Despite having popular appeal, only some of these approaches have evidence for their effectiveness. Within a clinical context where few patients with psychosis have access even to evidence-based approaches, the reader is invited to familiarise themselves with the evidence before selecting which approaches to introduce to their patients.DECLARATION OF INTERESTM.H. is one of the authors of the self-help book Overcoming distressing Voices that is promoted within the article.
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Strauss C, Hugdahl K, Waters F, Hayward M, Bless JJ, Falkenberg LE, Kråkvik B, Asbjørnsen AE, Johnsen E, Sinkeviciute I, Kroken RA, Løberg EM, Thomas N. The Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire - Revised: A factor structure from 450 participants. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:95-103. [PMID: 29035759 PMCID: PMC5764292 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hallucinated voices are common across psychiatric and non-clinical groups. The predominant cognitive theory about the impact of voices posits that beliefs about voice power ('Omnipotence') and voice intent ('Malevolence'/'Benevolence') play a key role in determining emotional and behavioral reactions. The revised Beliefs about Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ-R) was designed to assess these constructs, together with two styles of responding (Engagement and Resistance). The BAVQ-R is widely used in clinical and research settings, yet it has not received validation of its constructs and factor structure. This study examined the factor structure of the BAVQ-R by combining datasets from five study centers, comprising 450 participants (belief constructs) and 269 participants (response styles), and using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. Findings failed to support a three factor belief model, instead showing a two-factor structure ('Persecutory beliefs' combining Omnipotence and Malevolence constructs, and a Benevolent construct). Emotional and behavioral items did not separate. Overall, results showed that (i) a two-factor model of beliefs (Persecutory and Benevolent beliefs) provides a better fit to the data than a three-factor model, and (ii) emotional and behavioral modes of responding items should not be separated. Theoretical implications of this finding are discussed in relation to the research and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, UK.
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Flavie Waters
- Clinical Research Centre, North Metro Health Service, Graylands Hospital, Perth, Australia,School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, UK
| | - Josef J. Bless
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Liv E. Falkenberg
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Bodil Kråkvik
- Nidaros District Psychiatric Center, Department of Research and Development, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Erik Johnsen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Igne Sinkeviciute
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway,Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A. Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,NORMENT Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway,Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia,Voices Clinic, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Australia
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Cole ER, Strauss C, Fife-Schaw C, McCarthy-Jones S. Echoes of others: A path analytic examination of an interpersonal-cognitive model of voice-related distress. Psychol Psychother 2017; 90:617-632. [PMID: 28497892 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive models propose that levels of distress associated with auditory verbal hallucinations ('voices') are influenced by the hearers' beliefs about their voices (perceived malevolence and omnipotence), their negative beliefs about themselves and others and their attachment style. This study aims to test a comprehensive model of the relationship between these variables in order to identify distal and proximal interpersonal and cognitive factors contributing to voice-related distress. This interpersonal-cognitive model of voices proposes that attachment anxiety/avoidance drive negative beliefs about self and others, which in turn lead to persecutory (malevolent/omnipotent) beliefs about voices, which in turn increase levels of voice-related distress. DESIGN/METHODS Path analysis was used to test the interpersonal-cognitive model in a sample of 180 people currently hearing voices (57% self-reported schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses; 90% some form of self-reported mental health diagnosis). RESULTS Path analysis provided support for a model in which there were direct pathways from attachment anxiety and avoidance to negative beliefs about self and others; direct pathways from negative beliefs about self and others to persecutory beliefs about voices; and a direct path from persecutory beliefs about voices, and negative beliefs about self, to voice distress. CONCLUSIONS Findings add support to the suggestion that voice-related distress occurs in the context of an insecure attachment style and negative core beliefs about self/others. A therapeutic focus on beliefs about voices, attachment style and core beliefs about self/others may be important to minimize voice-related distress. Further tests of this model that can establish causal relationships between variables are now needed. PRACTITIONER POINTS Distress associated with auditory verbal hallucinations ('voices') is highly variable. This study tests a comprehensive interpersonal-cognitive model of voice distress using path analysis with 180 participants. The model tested in the current paper shows that attachment style predicts negative beliefs about self and others, which in turn predicts negative beliefs about voices, which in turn predicts voice-related distress. Findings support the suggestion that voice-related distress occurs in the context of an insecure attachment style and negative core beliefs about self and others. In addition to focusing on beliefs about voices, a therapeutic focus on attachment style and core beliefs about self and others may be important in order to minimize voice-related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther R Cole
- South West London and St George's NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
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31
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Connors MH, Robidoux S, Langdon R, Coltheart M. Beliefs about hearing voices. Conscious Cogn 2016; 43:89-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hayward M, Slater L, Berry K, Perona-Garcelán S. Establishing the "Fit" between the Patient and the Therapy: The Role of Patient Gender in Selecting Psychological Therapy for Distressing Voices. Front Psychol 2016; 7:424. [PMID: 27065907 PMCID: PMC4814658 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The experience of hearing distressing voices has recently attracted much attention in the literature on psychological therapies. A new “wave” of therapies is considering voice hearing experiences within a relational framework. However, such therapies may have limited impact if they do not precisely target key psychological variables within the voice hearing experience and/or ensure there is a “fit” between the profile of the hearer and the therapy (the so-called “What works for whom” debate). Gender is one aspect of both the voice and the hearer (and the interaction between the two) that may be influential when selecting an appropriate therapy, and is an issue that has thus far received little attention within the literature. The existing literature suggests that some differences in voice hearing experience are evident between the genders. Furthermore, studies exploring interpersonal relating in men and women more generally suggest differences within intimate relationships in terms of distancing and emotionality. The current study utilized data from four published studies to explore the extent to which these gender differences in social relating may extend to relating within the voice hearing experience. The findings suggest a role for gender as a variable that can be considered when identifying an appropriate psychological therapy for a given hearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex Brighton, UK
| | - Luke Slater
- Sussex Education Centre, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Hove, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester Manchester, UK
| | - Salvador Perona-Garcelán
- Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Department, University of SevilleSeville, Spain; Virgen del Rocío Outpatient Mental Hospital, University Hospital Virgen del RocíoSeville, Spain
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Haarmans M, Vass V, Bentall RP. Voices’ use of gender, race and other social categories to undermine female voice-hearers: Implications for incorporating intersectionality within CBT for psychosis. PSYCHOSIS-PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2015.1131323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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34
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Jones N, Luhrmann TM. Beyond the sensory: Findings from an in-depth analysis of the phenomenology of “auditory hallucinations” in schizophrenia. PSYCHOSIS-PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2015.1100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Toh WL, Thomas N, Rossell SL. Auditory verbal hallucinations in bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD): A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2015; 184:18-28. [PMID: 26066781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are not uncommon in bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), but there has been scant research in the area. The current paper aims to draw together and provide a critical overview of existing studies of AVHs in BD and MDD. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken using the search terms 'hallucinations' or 'hearing voices' in conjunction with 'bipolar disorder', 'mania' or 'manic-depressive' or 'major depressive disorder' or 'depression' or 'affective disorder' or 'mood disorder'. After applying a pre-defined set of inclusion criteria, 14 eligible peer-reviewed publications were accepted for further analysis. RESULTS Prevalence rates of AVHs in BD (11.3-62.8%) and MDD (5.4-40.6%) varied. When psychotic features were examined, persecutory and grandiose delusions were especially common in BD (though the latter did not necessarily occur in conjunction with AVHs). A single known neuroimaging study has suggested increased fronto-temporal connectivity relating to AVHs in BD. LIMITATIONS Methodological challenges relating to fluctuations in mood states and limited use of validated instruments, coupled with post-episode recall bias, pose as specific barriers to the collection of meaningful phenomenological information. CONCLUSIONS AVHs remains a central but largely understudied symptom in BD and MDD. Future research examining its phenomenology and clinical/neural correlates could bring about positive clinical implications as well as adapted therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin Toh
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), The Alfred Hospital and Monash University School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Neil Thomas
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), The Alfred Hospital and Monash University School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), The Alfred Hospital and Monash University School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Fielding-Smith SF, Hayward M, Strauss C, Fowler D, Paulik G, Thomas N. Bringing the "self" into focus: conceptualising the role of self-experience for understanding and working with distressing voices. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1129. [PMID: 26300821 PMCID: PMC4528282 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A primary goal of cognitive behavior therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is to reduce distress and disability, not to change the positive symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing voices. Despite demonstrated associations between beliefs about voices and distress, the effects of CBTp on reducing voice distress are disappointing. Research has begun to explore the role that the psychological construct of "self" (which includes numerous facets such as self-reflection, self-schema and self-concept) might play in causing and maintaining distress and disability in voice hearers. However, attempts to clarify and integrate these different perspectives within the voice hearing literature, or to explore their clinical implications, are still in their infancy. This paper outlines how the self has been conceptualised in the psychosis and CBT literatures, followed by a review of the evidence regarding the proposed role of this construct in the etiology of and adaptation to voice hearing experiences. We go on to discuss some of the specific intervention methods that aim to target these aspects of self-experience and end by identifying key research questions in this area. Notably, we suggest that interventions specifically targeting aspects of self-experience, including self-affection, self-reflection, self-schema and self-concept, may be sufficient to reduce distress and disruption in the context of hearing voices, a suggestion that now requires further empirical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex , Brighton, UK ; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Hove, UK
| | - Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex , Brighton, UK ; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Hove, UK
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex , Brighton, UK ; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Hove, UK
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia , Perth, WA, Australia ; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Darlinghurst , NSW, Australia
| | - Neil Thomas
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre, Swinburne University, Melbourne , VIC, Australia ; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred, Melbourne , VIC, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The characterization of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), diverges from recent research literature, which demonstrates the occurrence of AVH in individuals who are psychologically healthy. This discrepancy raises the question of how the public perceives AVH. Public perceptions are important because they could potentially affect how individuals with AVH interpret these experiences and how people view voice hearers. AIMS Because media portrayals can provide a window into how phenomena are viewed by the public, an archival study of newspaper articles was carried out to examine depictions of AVH. METHODS A sample of 181 newspaper articles originating in the United States was analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS The majority of articles examined contained no suggestion that AVH are possible in psychologically healthy individuals. Most articles suggested that AVH were a symptom of mental illness, and many suggested that AVH were associated with criminal behavior, violence and suicidality. CONCLUSION The news media examined tended to present a misleading and largely pathologizing view of AVH. More research is needed to shed light on how, and to what extent, public perceptions may influence those who experience AVH.
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Thomas N, Hayward M, Peters E, van der Gaag M, Bentall RP, Jenner J, Strauss C, Sommer IE, Johns LC, Varese F, García-Montes JM, Waters F, Dodgson G, McCarthy-Jones S. Psychological therapies for auditory hallucinations (voices): current status and key directions for future research. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40 Suppl 4:S202-12. [PMID: 24936081 PMCID: PMC4141318 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbu037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This report from the International Consortium on Hallucinations Research considers the current status and future directions in research on psychological therapies targeting auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). Therapy approaches have evolved from behavioral and coping-focused interventions, through formulation-driven interventions using methods from cognitive therapy, to a number of contemporary developments. Recent developments include the application of acceptance- and mindfulness-based approaches, and consolidation of methods for working with connections between voices and views of self, others, relationships and personal history. In this article, we discuss the development of therapies for voices and review the empirical findings. This review shows that psychological therapies are broadly effective for people with positive symptoms, but that more research is required to understand the specific application of therapies to voices. Six key research directions are identified: (1) moving beyond the focus on overall efficacy to understand specific therapeutic processes targeting voices, (2) better targeting psychological processes associated with voices such as trauma, cognitive mechanisms, and personal recovery, (3) more focused measurement of the intended outcomes of therapy, (4) understanding individual differences among voice hearers, (5) extending beyond a focus on voices and schizophrenia into other populations and sensory modalities, and (6) shaping interventions for service implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Thomas
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia;
| | - Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK;,Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Emmanuelle Peters
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Department of Psychology, London, UK;,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), London, UK;,Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients With Psychosis (PICuP),SLaM, London, UK
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- VU University and EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;,Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P. Bentall
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jack Jenner
- Jenner Consult, AUDITO, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clara Strauss
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK;,Research & Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Iris E. Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Louise C. Johns
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, Department of Psychology, London, UK;,Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients With Psychosis (PICuP),SLaM, London, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Flavie Waters
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia;,Clinical Research Centre, North Metro Health Service Mental Health,Perth,Australia
| | - Guy Dodgson
- Early Intervention in Psychosis, Greenacre Centre, Ashington, UK
| | - Simon McCarthy-Jones
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Its Disorders, Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia;,Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
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