Hayward M, Frost H, Naito A, Jones AM. Coping strategy enhancement for the treatment of distressing voices in young people: A service evaluation within routine clinical practice.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022;
27:1209-1220. [PMID:
35261271 PMCID:
PMC9574902 DOI:
10.1177/13591045211061803]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hearing voices is a common experience in young people, irrespective of diagnosis. This experience can be associated with distress, self-harm and an increased risk of attempting suicide. However, there are currently no evidence-based interventions which specifically target distressing voice hearing experiences in young people.
METHOD
This was a service evaluation exploring the engagement, outcomes and experiences of young people who were offered a brief 4-session intervention for distressing voices within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the UK's National Health Service. The intervention was based on the principles of Coping Strategy Enhancement (CSE).
RESULTS
A total of 24 young people were offered the CSE intervention over a 20-month period. The intervention was completed by 15 young people. Pre-post outcomes suggested clinically meaningful reductions in the negative impact of voices for the majority of the young people. Qualitative feedback was positive and highlighted the value of both a space to talk about voice hearing experiences and a focus upon coping strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this service evaluation suggest that CSE can be a brief, acceptable and helpful way for young people within a CAMHS context to start a therapeutic conversation about their distressing voice hearing experiences.
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