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Irwin L, Berry K, Bell T, Carter LA, Udachina A. Momentary displays of compassion and the relationship between psychosis, mood and risk incidents on inpatient wards: An experience sampling study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39233367 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychosis can be thought of as a threat-based experience. Compassion has been shown to be effective in reducing threat, although highly distressed individuals may struggle to be self-compassionate. This study explored the effects of compassionate interactions with staff on inpatients with psychosis. METHOD Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was used to investigate the relationships between compassion from staff and paranoia, voice hearing, distress related to psychosis experiences, affect and risk incidents in daily life. Twenty-two service users residing on inpatient mental health wards took part. Baseline measures of compassion, fears of compassion and affect were taken. Participants completed ESM assessments 10 times per day, over 6 days. RESULTS Compassion from staff was associated with a small increase in voice hearing, but was not associated with paranoia, paranoia-related distress, voice-related distress, negative affect, positive affect, or risk incidents in daily life. Baseline fears of compassion moderated the relationships between compassion from staff and some of the service user outcomes. For inpatients scoring low on fears of compassion, compassionate interactions were associated with increased positive affect and lower paranoia. However, for those scoring high on fears of compassion, this relationship was reversed, and compassionate interactions were associated with higher paranoia and lower positive affect. CONCLUSION People with psychosis who have fears of compassion may benefit from receiving support to address these fears in order to experience the benefit from the compassion of staff. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the low number of observations and limited statistical power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Irwin
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Tobyn Bell
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Hignett R, Curran R, Fisher HL, Riches S. Psychologists' experience of working with people who hear voices and their views on the idea of voice simulation training: A qualitative study. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:562-581. [PMID: 38970412 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research indicates psychologists typically lack subjective understanding of voice hearing. Voice hearing simulation training has potential to improve understanding, empathy and confidence among clinicians, but psychologists have had limited input into its development. This study investigated psychologists' and a psychotherapist's clinical experience of working with people who hear voices and their views and recommendations for voice hearing simulation training. DESIGN This was a qualitative study. METHODS Clinical psychologists and one psychotherapist (N = 17) participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcribed data. RESULTS The Clinical Experience theme comprised of subthemes Barriers to engagement, Diversity of voice hearing experiences, Lack of subjective understanding, Curiosity about voice hearing, Empathy for voice hearers, Using personal experiences to relate to voices, Clinical experience increases knowledge, Importance of supervision and colleague's support, Benefits of experiential training, Limited training in non-psychosis settings and Clinical experience increases confidence. The Views on Voice Hearing Simulation Training theme comprised of subthemes Improves subjective understanding, Concern about distress, Discomfort as a strength of voice hearing simulations, Artificiality of simulation, Increases empathy and Over-estimation of understanding. The Recommendations theme comprised of subthemes Discuss artificiality, Co-production, Promote voice diversity, Support staff and Maximise inclusivity. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that clinical experience improves psychologists' confidence and knowledge, yet participants reported a lack of subjective understanding of voice hearing. Co-produced simulation training between individuals who hear voices and clinicians was anticipated to improve subjective understanding, empathy and therapeutic relationships, which could support a range of staff and improve quality of care delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hignett
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Curran
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Helen L Fisher
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Riches
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, UK
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Kratzer L, Tschöke S, Schröder J, Shevlin M, Hyland P, Eckenberger C, Heinz P, Karatzias T. Severe Dissociative Experiences beyond Detachment in a Large Clinical Sample of Inpatients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diagnostic and Treatment Implications. Psychopathology 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39038445 DOI: 10.1159/000539740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) contains a dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) characterized by depersonalization and derealization. Yet, there is evidence that dissociative symptoms in PTSD go beyond this kind of detachment dissociation and that some patients present with additional compartmentalization dissociation in the form of auditory-verbal hallucination, amnesia, and identity alteration. METHODS Hence, in this study, we examined latent profiles of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), PTSD (Impact-of-Event Scale-Revised), and pathological dissociation (Dissociative Experiences Scale-Taxon; DES-T) in a large sample of severely traumatized inpatients with PTSD (N = 1,360). RESULTS Results support a three-class solution of the latent profile analysis with a PTSD class, a dissociative subtype class, and a third class characterized by more complex and more severe dissociative symptoms. Importantly, in our inpatient sample of patients with severe PTSD, the latter class was found to be the most prevalent. Both the exploratory character of our retrospective analysis of clinical routine data and the use of the DES-T limit the generalizability of our findings, which require methodologically more rigorous replication. CONCLUSION In severe PTSD, dissociative symptoms beyond detachment are highly prevalent. Diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard Kratzer
- Department of Psychotraumatology, Clinic St. Irmingard, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany,
| | - Stefan Tschöke
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I (Weissenau), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Centre for Psychiatry Südwürttemberg, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Schröder
- Department for Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Derry, UK
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Peter Heinz
- Department of Psychotraumatology, Clinic St. Irmingard, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
- Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
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Salt E, Skeffington P, Reddyhough C, Paulik G. Assessment of Voice Content for Voice Hearers: Psychometric Evaluation of the Perth Voice Content Questionnaire. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2991. [PMID: 38706173 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The experience of hearing voices is common to an estimated 7% of the general population, with the presence of negative content being the best predictor of whether individuals will require clinical support. Whilst largely neglected in the literature to date, there are calls to consider the significance of voice content for reducing voice-related distress. However, no quantitative and comprehensive measure of voice content with suitability for research and clinical use exists. This pilot study aimed to demonstrate preliminary psychometric properties of a newly developed measure, the Perth Voice Content Questionnaire (PVCQ), designed to measure the intensity and themes of positively and negatively valenced voice content, primarily of the dominant voice. The PVCQ and measures of voice severity and related beliefs were completed by 47 voice-hearing participants. The measure was found to be internally consistent, loaded onto two distinct factors of positive and negative content, and these factors were associated with voice-related distress and negative beliefs about voices and positive beliefs about voices, respectively, indicating good validity. The PVCQ offers the first self-report measure of voice content, with preliminary psychometric properties indicating its suitability for clinical and research use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Salt
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Petra Skeffington
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Caitlin Reddyhough
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Translational Research Division, Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Translational Research Division, Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE This paper outlines the theoretical and empirical basis for compassion focused therapy (CFT) for psychosis, the gaps in the current knowledge and research, as well as some of the challenges for addressing gaps. It will guide the direction of future work and the steps needed to develop and advance this approach. METHOD This paper reviews evidence of how evolutionary models such as social rank theory and attachment theory have greatly contributed to our understanding of psychosis and provide a clear rationale and evidence base for the mechanisms of change in CFT for psychosis. It reviews the evidence for outcomes of compassion training more generally, and early feasibility evaluations of CFT for psychosis. RESULTS The process evidence shows that people with psychosis have highly active social rank and threat systems, and the benefits of switching into attachment and care systems, which can support emotion regulation and integrative mind states. The outcomes evidence shows that compassion training impacts not only psychological outcomes, but also physiological outcomes such as neural circuits, immune system, and the autonomic nervous system. Within the psychosis field, outcomes research is still in the early days, but there are good indications of feasibility and a clear path forward for the next steps. CONCLUSIONS CFT for psychosis is an approach that integrates biopsychosocial processes, an integration that's evidenced across each aspect of the model, from theoretical foundations (evolution-informed) to interventions (e.g., body/breath training and relational techniques), to evaluation. Future RCTs are required to understand the effects on biopsychosocial outcomes for people with psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Heriot-Maitland
- Balanced Minds, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Grady S, Twomey C, Cullen C, Gaynor K. Does affect mediate the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2024; 264:435-447. [PMID: 38245930 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis is well established, and research is now focused on identifying mechanisms that may explain this relationship. Models of trauma and psychosis increasingly emphasize a broad range of affective processes, yet the overall effect of these affective processes is not well understood. AIM This review systematically examined the effect of any form of long-term affective dysfunction on the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis. Where possible, it used meta-analytic techniques to quantify the overall magnitude of this effect. METHOD Searches were conducted using PsychINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases, and eligible studies were appraised for methodological quality. Narrative synthesis and meta-analytic methods were used to evaluate evidence. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies met criteria for inclusion. Five affective mediators were found; depression, anxiety, affective dysregulation, loneliness and attachment. Findings from both the narrative synthesis (n = 29) and meta-analysis (n = 8) indicated that, overall, affect is a small but significant mediator of the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis (pooled Cohen's d = 0.178; pooled 95 % CI: 0.022-0.334). CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings support affective pathways to psychosis, though highlight the need for further research on broader affective mediators (loneliness, shame). The small effect size found in the meta-analysis also points to the potential importance of non-affective mediators. Clinically, these findings highlight the value of treatment modalities that attend to multiple mechanisms in the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis. Future research should focus on the interplay and causal sequence between these mechanisms to further understand pathways between interpersonal trauma and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Grady
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Conal Twomey
- Dept. of Psychology, St Patrick's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare Cullen
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keith Gaynor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; DETECT, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland
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Cheli S, Goldzweig G, Chiarello F, Cavalletti V. Evolutionary systems therapy for paranoid personality disorder: A seven cases series. Bull Menninger Clin 2024; 88:61-80. [PMID: 38527104 DOI: 10.1521/bumc.2024.88.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about effective psychosocial treatments for paranoid personality disorder. This study explores the feasibility of a novel treatment, namely Evolutionary Systems Therapy, in supporting individuals diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder. Seven patients attended 10 months of individual therapy without receiving any psychopharmacological treatment. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the intervention, while the secondary outcomes were remission from the diagnosis and reliable changes in personality pathology and paranoid ideation. All recruited patients completed the intervention and did not report any adverse events. Six out of seven patients experienced remission from the diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder. All participants showed reliable changes in personality pathology and paranoid ideation, which were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Further research is needed to confirm these encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cheli
- PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, St. John's University, Rome, Italy, and the Center for Psychology and Health, Tages Charity, Florence, Italy
| | - Gil Goldzweig
- Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Longden E, Branitsky A, Jones W, Peters S. When therapists talk to voices: Perspectives from service-users who experience auditory hallucinations. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:967-981. [PMID: 37551953 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate service-users' experiences of a therapist engaging with their voices (auditory hallucinations) using psychological formulation and direct dialogue. METHOD A nested qualitative study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for supporting voice hearers with a diagnosis of psychosis (Talking With Voices: TwV). Of 24 participants allocated to therapy, 13 (54%) consented to a semi-structured, in-depth interview which was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants described their experiences of using the intervention to improve the relationship between themselves and their voice(s). The findings are organised within three themes and associated subthemes: (1) A desire for suitable help (Motivation to reduce voice-related distress, Limitation of other treatment options); (2) Engaging with voices (Challenges, Support and safety, Exploration and revelation); and (3) Contemplating the future (The aftermath of adversity, Living well with voices, Resources for moving forward). CONCLUSION Despite the emotional challenges of the work, many participants experienced tangible gains in the ways they related to their voices post-intervention. For those who responded well, the development of safety strategies, including a strong therapeutic alliance, could facilitate a basis for developing new insights about the origin/nature of the voices which could then be applied in constructive ways. Further research is needed to understand which client characteristics indicate suitability for TwV as opposed to relational therapies that require less direct engagement with voices and/or the psychosocial conflicts with which they may be associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Wendy Jones
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Peters
- 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, Manchester, UK
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9
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Cheli S, Cavalletti V, Hopwood CJ. Threatening Beliefs About Self and Others Moderate the Association Between Psychoticism and Psychological Distress. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:819-827. [PMID: 37738457 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001726] [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: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Psychoticism is a multidimensional personality construct involving odd or eccentric behavior, quasi-psychotic experiences, mistrust, interpersonal detachment, and liability for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, as well as significant distress. Recent advances suggest it can be understood as a dimension that is continuously distributed in the population, leading to questions about factors that contribute to distress and dysfunction among people with a schizotypal liability. We investigated in a large nonclinical sample of young adults whether associations between psychoticism and psychological distress would increase in the presence of threatening beliefs. In our study ( N = 2127), we found that the association between psychoticism and psychological distress is moderated by threatening beliefs including self-criticism, fear of compassion, and socially prescribed perfectionism. These results suggest that distress increases among people with schizotypal traits in the context of negative beliefs about self and others. We discuss implications for clinical practice and directions for further research.
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Hardman JR, Gleeson JFM, González‐Blanch C, Alvarez‐Jimenez M, Fraser MI, Yap K. The role of insight, social rank, mindfulness and self-compassion in depression following first episode psychosis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:1393-1406. [PMID: 37438084 PMCID: PMC10946724 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Gaining awareness of psychosis (i.e., insight) is linked to depression, particularly in the post-acute phase of psychosis. Informed by social rank theory, we examined whether the insight-depression relationship is explained by reduced social rank related to psychosis and whether self-compassion (including uncompassionate self-responding [UCS] and compassionate self-responding [CSR]) and mindfulness buffered the relationship between social rank and depression in individuals with first episode psychosis during the post-acute phase. Participants were 145 young people (Mage = 20.81; female = 66) with first episode psychosis approaching discharge from an early psychosis intervention centre. Questionnaires and interviews assessed insight, depressive symptoms, perceived social rank, self-compassion, mindfulness and illness severity. Results showed that insight was not significantly associated to depression and thus no mediation analysis was conducted. However, lower perceived social rank was related to higher depression, and this relationship was moderated by self-compassion and, more specifically, UCS. Mindfulness was related to depression but had no moderating effect on social rank and depression. Results supported previous findings that depressive symptoms are common during the post-acute phase. The role of insight in depression for this sample is unclear and may be less important during the post-acute phase than previously considered. Supporting social rank theory, the results suggest that low perceived social rank contributes to depression, and reducing UCS may ameliorate this effect. UCS, social rank and possibly mindfulness may be valuable intervention targets for depression intervention and prevention efforts in the recovery of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R. Hardman
- School of Behavioural and Health SciencesAustralian Catholic UniversityStrathfieldNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John F. M. Gleeson
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health SciencesAustralian Catholic UniversityFitzroyVictoriaAustralia
| | - César González‐Blanch
- Centre for Youth Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Mental Health CentreUniversity Hospital “Marqués de Valdecilla”SantanderSpain
| | | | - Madeleine I. Fraser
- School of Behavioural and Health SciencesAustralian Catholic UniversityStrathfieldNew South WalesAustralia
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, School of Behavioural and Health SciencesAustralian Catholic UniversityFitzroyVictoriaAustralia
| | - Keong Yap
- School of Behavioural and Health SciencesAustralian Catholic UniversityStrathfieldNew South WalesAustralia
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Heriot‐Maitland C, Gumley A, Wykes T, Longden E, Irons C, Gilbert P, Peters E. A case series study of compassion-focused therapy for distressing experiences in psychosis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:762-781. [PMID: 37635319 PMCID: PMC10946731 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is an evolution-informed biopsychosocial approach that seeks to cultivate attachment and care motivational systems and their psychophysiological regulators. These can counteract some of the harmful effects of social threat, inferiority, shame, self-criticism and depression, which are common in people with psychosis and undermine their well-being, social trust and ability to feel safe. This study aimed to test the acceptability of a novel manualized individual CFT intervention for psychosis (CFTp). DESIGN A non-concurrent, multiple-baseline, case series design, with three phases: baseline, intervention and follow-up. METHODS The 26-session CFTp intervention was provided for a sample of eight people with distressing psychotic experiences and a psychosis-related diagnosis. The study aimed to assess acceptability of CFTp and to test clinically reliable improvements while receiving the intervention, compared to a baseline period. RESULTS Seven of eight participants completed the therapy, and clinically reliable improvements were found at both the single-case and group level of analysis. At the single-case level, over half the participants showed improvements in depression (5/7), stress (5/7), distress (5/7), anxiety (4/7) and voices (3/5). One participant showed a deterioration in anxiety (1/7) and dissociation (1/7). At the group level (n = 7), there were significant improvements in depression, stress, distress, voices and delusions. The improvements in voices, delusions and distress were sustained at 6- to 8-week follow-up, but depression and stress dropped slightly to trend-level improvements. CONCLUSIONS CFTp is a feasible and acceptable intervention for psychosis, and further investigation is warranted with a randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Heriot‐Maitland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Glasgow Mental Health Research FacilityUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Andrew Gumley
- Glasgow Mental Health Research FacilityUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research UnitGreater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
- Division of Psychology and Mental HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research UnitGreater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | | | - Paul Gilbert
- Centre for Compassion Research and Training, College of Health, Psychology and Social CareUniversity of DerbyDerbyUK
- The Compassionate Mind FoundationDerbyUK
| | - Emmanuelle Peters
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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12
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Yu X, Pan Y, Ouyang J, Sun P. Shame Memory's Impact on Depression among Junior Middle School Students: A Moderated Mediation Model. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:802. [PMID: 37887452 PMCID: PMC10604334 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Objective: While recent studies have shed light on the effects of shame memories on mental well-being, there is still limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking shame memories and depression. Based on the biopsychosocial model and cognitive therapy theory, this study examined the association between shame memory and depression and the indirect role of emotion management and self-criticism. (2) Methods: A total of 1004 junior high school students were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the event impact scale, the self-criticism scale of the depressive experiences questionnaire, and the emotional intelligence scale. (3) Results: Shame memory had a significant positive correlation with depression. The relationship between shame memory and depression was partially mediated by self-criticism. Emotional management was found to regulate the latter half of the mediating effect of shame memory on depression. (4) Conclusions: Self-criticism plays a mediating role in the relationship between shame memory and depression, as well as emotion management plays a moderating role between self-criticism and depression. This perspective will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the impact of shame memories on depression among junior high school children but also offers a feasible plan for follow-up intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yu
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Yijing Pan
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Jiaojun Ouyang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Peizhen Sun
- Department of Psychology, School of Education Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
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13
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Paetzold I, Schick A, Rauschenberg C, Hirjak D, Banaschewski T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Boehnke JR, Boecking B, Reininghaus U. Exploring putative therapeutic mechanisms of change in a hybrid compassion-focused, ecological momentary intervention: Findings from the EMIcompass trial. Behav Res Ther 2023; 168:104367. [PMID: 37467549 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Compassion-focused interventions represent a promising transdiagnostic approach, but the mechanisms involved in hybrid delivery combining face-to-face sessions and an ecological momentary intervention remain unexplored. The current study aimed at exploring associations of putative mechanisms with clinical outcomes at post-intervention/follow-up and mediation of outcome at follow-up by preceding pre-to post-intervention changes in putative mechanisms. The compassion-focused EMIcompass intervention was applied in an exploratory randomized controlled trial (treatment as usual (TAU) vs. TAU + EMIcompass) with youth with early mental health problems. Data was collected before randomization, at post-intervention and at four-week follow-up. We recruited N = 92 participants, N = 46 were allocated to the experimental condition. After control for baseline levels of the target outcomes, baseline-to post-intervention improvement in adaptive emotion regulation was associated with lower levels of clinical outcomes (e.g. psychological distress b = -1.15; 95%CI = -1.92 to -0.39) across time points. We could not detect indirect effects, but we observed associations of change in self-compassion and adaptive emotion regulation with outcomes at follow-up in the mediation analysis (e.g., β = -0.35, 95%CI = -0.52 to -0.16). If successfully targeted by interventions, self-compassion and emotion regulation may be promising putative therapeutic mechanisms of change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Paetzold
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christian Rauschenberg
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan R Boehnke
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Benjamin Boecking
- Tinnitus Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany; ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health and Social Epidemiology Research Group, King's College London, London, London, UK; Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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14
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Cheli S, Cavalletti V, Lysaker PH, Dimaggio G, Petrocchi N, Chiarello F, Enzo C, Velicogna F, Mancini F, Goldzweig G. A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing a novel compassion and metacognition approach for schizotypal personality disorder with a combination of cognitive therapy and psychopharmacological treatment. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:113. [PMID: 36803673 PMCID: PMC9942388 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of maladaptive behavior that has been associated with the liability for schizophrenia. Little is known about effective psychosocial interventions. This pilot non-inferiority randomized controlled trial aimed to compare a novel form of psychotherapy tailored for this disorder and a combination of cognitive therapy and psychopharmacological treatment. The former treatment - namely, Evolutionary Systems Therapy for Schizotypy-integrated evolutionary, metacognitively oriented, and compassion focused approaches. METHODS Thirty-three participants were assessed for eligibility, twenty-four randomized on a 1:1 ratio, nineteen included in the final analysis. The treatments lasted 6 months (24 sessions). The primary outcome was change across nine measurements in personality pathology, the secondary outcomes were remission from diagnosis and pre-post changes in general symptomatology and metacognition. RESULTS Primary outcome suggested a non-inferiority of the experimental treatment in respect to control condition. Secondary outcomes reported mixed results. There was no significant difference in terms of remission, but experimental treatment showed a larger reduction of general symptomatology (η2 = 0.558) and a larger increase in metacognition (η2 = 0.734). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study reported promising results about the effectiveness of the proposed novel approach. A confirmatory trial on large sample size is needed to provide evidence about relative effectiveness of the two treatment conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04764708; Registration day 21/02/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cheli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. .,Center for Psychology and Health (Centro Di Psicologia e Psicoterapia), Tages Charity (Tages Onlus), Via Della Torretta 14, 50137, Florence, Italy.
| | - Veronica Cavalletti
- Center for Psychology and Health (Centro Di Psicologia e Psicoterapia), Tages Charity (Tages Onlus), Via Della Torretta 14, 50137 Florence, Italy
| | - Paul H. Lysaker
- grid.280828.80000 0000 9681 3540Department of Psychiatry, Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, USA ,grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Giancarlo Dimaggio
- grid.512576.20000 0004 7475 2686Centro Di Terapia Metacognitiva Interpersonale, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrocchi
- grid.449441.80000 0004 1789 8806John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarello
- Center for Psychology and Health (Centro Di Psicologia e Psicoterapia), Tages Charity (Tages Onlus), Via Della Torretta 14, 50137 Florence, Italy
| | - Consuelo Enzo
- Center for Psychology and Health (Centro Di Psicologia e Psicoterapia), Tages Charity (Tages Onlus), Via Della Torretta 14, 50137 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Velicogna
- Center for Psychology and Health (Centro Di Psicologia e Psicoterapia), Tages Charity (Tages Onlus), Via Della Torretta 14, 50137 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Mancini
- grid.440899.80000 0004 1780 761XGuglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gil Goldzweig
- grid.430432.20000 0004 0604 7651The Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
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15
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Echoes of shame: a comparison of the characteristics and psychological sequelae of recalled shame experiences across the voice hearing continuum. Behav Cogn Psychother 2023; 51:61-73. [PMID: 36285429 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voice hearing occurs across a number of psychiatric diagnoses and appears to be present on a continuum within the general population. Previous research has highlighted the potential role of past experiences of shame in proneness to voice hearing in the general population. AIMS This study aimed to extend this past research and compare people with distressing voices, people with voices but no distress, and a non-voice hearing control group, on various dimensions of shame and shame memory characteristics. METHOD In a cross-sectional, online study 39 distressed voice hearers, 31 non-distressed voice hearers and 50 non-voice hearers undertook a shame memory priming task in which they were prompted to recall a memory of a shaming experience from their past. They then completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of the recalled shame event and the psychological sequalae of this event (i.e. intrusions, hyperarousal, avoidance, the centrality of shame memories, external shame, and self-criticism). RESULTS The majority of recalled shame memories involved experiences such as interpersonal criticism or experiences of being devalued. Univariate analyses found no significant differences between the three groups with regard to the shame events that were recalled, but the distressed voice hearer group reported significantly more hyperarousal, intrusions, self-criticism, and external shame in relation to their experience. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that voice hearers recall similar types of shame experiences to non-voice hearers, but that problematic psychological sequelae of these shame experiences (in the form of intrusive memories, hyperarousal, external shame, and self-criticism) may specifically contribute to distressing voice hearing.
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16
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Cheli S. An evolutionary look at oddity and schizotypy: How the rise of social brain informs clinical practice. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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17
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Longden E, Corstens D, Bowe S, Pyle M, Emsley R, Peters S, Branitsky A, Chauhan N, Dehmahdi N, Jones W, Holden N, Larkin A, Miners A, Murphy E, Steele A, Morrison AP. A psychological intervention for engaging dialogically with auditory hallucinations (Talking With Voices): A single-site, randomised controlled feasibility trial. Schizophr Res 2022; 250:172-179. [PMID: 36423442 PMCID: PMC9754007 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is growing clinical interest in addressing relationship dynamics between service-users and their voices. The Talking With Voices (TwV) trial aimed to establish feasibility and acceptability of a novel dialogical intervention to reduce distress associated with voices amongst adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The single-site, single-blind (rater) randomised controlled trial recruited 50 participants who were allocated 1:1 to treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU plus up to 26 sessions of TwV therapy. Participants were assessed at baseline and again at end of treatment (six-months). The primary outcomes were quantitative and qualitative assessments of feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes involved clinical measures, including targeted instruments for voice-hearing, dissociation, and emotional distress. The trial achieved 100 % of the target sample, 24 of whom were allocated to therapy and 26 to TAU. The trial had high retention (40/50 [80 %] participants at six-months) and high intervention adherence (21/24 [87.5 %] receiving ≥8 sessions). Signals of efficacy were shown in targeted measures of voice-hearing, dissociation, and perceptions of recovery. Analysis on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale indicated that there were no differences in means of general psychosis symptom scores in TwV compared to the control group. There were four serious adverse events in the therapy group and eight in TAU, none of which were related to study proceedings. The trial demonstrates the acceptability of the intervention and the feasibility of delivering it under controlled, randomised conditions. An adequately powered definitive trial is necessary to provide robust evidence regarding efficacy evaluation and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration: ISRCTN 45308981.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; 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, Manchester, UK; Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Dirk Corstens
- GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Texel/den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Bowe
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Melissa Pyle
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Peters
- 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, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; 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, Manchester, UK; Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nisha Chauhan
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nikki Dehmahdi
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Wendy Jones
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; 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, Manchester, UK
| | - Natasha Holden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Amanda Larkin
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alissa Miners
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ann Steele
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony P Morrison
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; 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, Manchester, UK
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18
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Middleton K, Cooke A, May R. “It allowed us to let our pain out”: perspectives from voice-hearers and their voices on the ‘talking with voices’ approach. PSYCHOSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2022.2141840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Middleton
- Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK
| | - Anne Cooke
- Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK
| | - Rufus May
- Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, Greater Manchester, UK
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19
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Paetzold I, Schick A, Rauschenberg C, Hirjak D, Banaschewski T, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Butz S, Floesser C, Schueltke L, Boehnke JR, Boecking B, Reininghaus U. A Hybrid Ecological Momentary Compassion–Focused Intervention for Enhancing Resilience in Help-Seeking Young People: Prospective Study of Baseline Characteristics in the EMIcompass Trial. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e39511. [PMID: 36331526 PMCID: PMC9675017 DOI: 10.2196/39511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young people are a target population for mental health–related early intervention and prevention. Although evidence for early intervention is promising, availability of and access to youth mental health services remain limited. Therefore, the development of an evidence-based hybrid intervention is urgently needed. Objective This study aimed to present a manual for a hybrid intervention, combining an ecological momentary intervention and face-to-face sessions aimed for enhancing resilience in help-seeking young people based on compassion-focused interventions, and explore whether participants’ baseline characteristics are associated with putative mechanisms and outcomes of the EMIcompass intervention. Specifically, we aimed to explore initial signals as to whether participants’ sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics at baseline are associated with putative mechanisms (ie, change in self-compassion, change in emotion regulation, working alliance, training frequency); and whether participants’ sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics, self-compassion, and emotion regulation at baseline are associated with clinical outcomes (ie, psychological distress and general psychopathology at postintervention and 4-week follow-ups) in the experimental condition and obtain first parameter estimates. Methods We recruited young people aged 14 to 25 years, with psychological distress, Clinical High At-Risk Mental State, or first episodes of severe mental disorder for an exploratory randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline and postintervention and 4-week follow-ups. A structured manual was developed and optimized based on a pilot study’s manual, a scoping review of existing literature and manuals, exchange with experts, the team’s clinical experience of working with compassion-focused interventions, and the principles of ecological momentary interventions. This analysis focuses on the experimental condition receiving the EMIcompass intervention. Results A total of 46 young individuals were randomized to the experimental condition. There was evidence for initial signals of effects of age (B=0.11, 95% CI 0.00-0.22), general psychopathology (B=0.08, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.16), and clinical stage (B=1.50, 95% CI 0.06-2.93) on change in momentary self-compassion and change in emotion regulation from baseline to postintervention assessments. There was no evidence for associations of other baseline characteristics (eg, gender, minority status, and level of functioning) and putative mechanisms (eg, overall self-compassion, working alliance, and training frequency). In addition, except for an initial signal for an association of momentary self-compassion at baseline and psychological distress (B=−2.83, 95% CI −5.66 to 0.00), we found no evidence that baseline characteristics related to clinical outcomes. Conclusions The findings indicated the reach of participants by the intervention largely independent of sociodemographic, clinical, and functional baseline characteristics. The findings need to be confirmed in a definitive trial. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register NDRKS00017265; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017265 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/27462
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Paetzold
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Rauschenberg
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Butz
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chiara Floesser
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Leonie Schueltke
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Benjamin Boecking
- Tinnitus Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health and Social Epidemiology Research Group, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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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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21
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Longden E, Branitsky A, Jones W, Peters S. 'It's like having a core belief that's able to speak back to you': Therapist accounts of dialoguing with auditory hallucinations. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:295-312. [PMID: 34762756 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the clinical perspectives and experiences of therapists when engaging in direct dialogue with auditory hallucinations. METHOD Therapist accounts were explored via a qualitative study nested within a pilot randomized controlled trial of a novel intervention for supporting distressed voice-hearers (Talking with Voices). Five therapists were involved, none of whom had substantive previous experience of the technique. All agreed to take part in two semi-structured, in-depth interviews which were arranged prior to delivering therapy and again after therapists had experience of conducting dialogues. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants described their impressions of seeking to improve the relationship between voice(s) and voice-hearer using dialogue. The findings are organized within three main themes and associated subthemes: (1) Commitment to delivery (professional values, mentorship, professional growth); (2) Communication and collaboration (therapeutic alliance, relationships with voices, managing clinical perceptions); and (3) Challenges of delivery (client/voice engagement, impact of trauma, systemic issues). A series of recommendations are derived from the findings to support implementation and guide the practice of therapists undertaking dialogue work with clients who hear voices. CONCLUSION Despite clinical challenges, therapists also identified professional gains from conducting their work. Their accounts demonstrate that it is possible for practitioners with no previous formal experience to engage in direct communication with voices within a context of appropriate training and supervision. PRACTITIONER POINTS Therapists with no previous experience of dialogue work can be trained and supported to verbally engage with the voices heard by people experiencing psychosis. Therapeutic alliance and therapist values are important components of successful therapy. Confidence for dialoguing with voices can be increased through drawing on therapist's existing transferable clinical skills. The emotional and practical needs of therapists undertaking such work should be addressed through training and regular group supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, UK.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Wendy Jones
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Peters
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, UK
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22
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What if metacognition is not enough? Its association with delusion may be moderated by self-criticism. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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23
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Caballero R, Valiente C, Espinosa R. Predictors of subjective well-being among individuals with severe psychiatric conditions. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 110:152266. [PMID: 34333165 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Caballero
- Department of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Somosaguas Campus, 28223 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Valiente
- Department of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Somosaguas Campus, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Regina Espinosa
- Department of Psychology, Camilo José Cela University of Madrid, Villafranca del Castilla, 28692 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Maisey S, Correia H, Paulik G. The role of self-compassion on the relationship between trauma and hearing voices. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:698-705. [PMID: 34476866 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic life events are associated with increased risk of hearing voices and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms have been implicated in this relationship. Studies indicate that increased self-compassion is associated with reduced PTS symptoms and voice-distress. The present study sought to examine whether self-compassion moderated the relationship between PTS symptoms and voice-distress. Self-report and clinician-administered questionnaires were used to measure self-compassion, PTS symptom severity, voice-frequency, and voice-distress in 62 trauma-affected voice-hearers who presented to a community voice-hearing clinic. Correlation analyses revealed that PTS symptom severity was positively correlated with voice-distress, but not voice-frequency, and that self-compassion was negatively correlated with voice-distress and PTS symptom severity. While self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between PTS symptom severity and voice-distress, it was associated with a significant reduction in voice-distress, at all levels of PTS symptom severity. Preliminary findings suggest self-compassion may play an important role in reducing voice-distress and thus warrant further consideration of self-compassion as a target in treatment for help-seeking voice-hearers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Maisey
- School of Psychology and of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Correia
- School of Psychology and of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology and of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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25
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Longden E, Corstens D, Morrison AP, Larkin A, Murphy E, Holden N, Steele A, Branitsky A, Bowe S. A treatment protocol to guide the delivery of dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations: Experience from the Talking With Voices pilot trial. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94:558-572. [PMID: 33629816 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a treatment protocol for delivering Talking With Voices, a novel intervention for people with psychosis that involves dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations. METHOD This paper presents a manualized approach to therapy employed in the Talking With Voices trial, a feasibility and acceptability randomized control trial of 50 adult participants. A rationale for following a treatment manual is provided, followed by the theoretical underpinnings of the intervention and its principles and values, including the main tenet that voices can often be understood as dissociated parts of the self which serve a protective function by indicating social-emotional vulnerabilities. The four therapy phases for improving the relationship between the voice-hearer and their voices are outlined: (1) engagement and psychoeducation, (2) creating a formulation, (3) dialoguing with voices, and (4) consolidating outcomes, including key milestones at each phase. Implementation issues are discussed, as well as recommendations for best practice and future research. RESULTS The Talking With Voices treatment protocol indicates that it is feasible to manualize a dissociation-based approach to support service users who are distressed by hearing voices. CONCLUSION For some individuals, it is possible to engage in productive dialogue with even extremely hostile or distressing voices. Developing coping strategies, creating a formulation, and ultimately establishing a dialogue with voices has the potential to improve the relationship between voice(s) and voice-hearer. Further research is now required to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. PRACTITIONER POINTS It is feasible to integrate a dissociation model of voice-hearing within a psychological intervention for people with psychosis. Combining psychosocial education, formulation and direct dialogue can be used to facilitate a more peaceful relationship between clients and their voices. Practitioners trained in other therapeutic modalities can draw on existing transferrable skills to dialogue with their clients' voices. The input of those with lived experience of mental health difficulties has an important role in guiding treatment design and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,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, UK.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Dirk Corstens
- GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Texel/den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony P Morrison
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,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, UK
| | - Amanda Larkin
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Natasha Holden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Ann Steele
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Alison Branitsky
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,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, UK.,Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Samantha Bowe
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Caballero R, Chaves C, Valiente C. Life satisfaction in people affected by a severe psychiatric condition: a comprehensive model. PSYCHOSIS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2021.1961011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Caballero
- Department of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga Chaves
- Department of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Valiente
- Department of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Rauschenberg C, Boecking B, Paetzold I, Schruers K, Schick A, van Amelsvoort T, Reininghaus U. A Compassion-Focused Ecological Momentary Intervention for Enhancing Resilience in Help-Seeking Youth: Uncontrolled Pilot Study. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e25650. [PMID: 34383687 PMCID: PMC8380580 DOI: 10.2196/25650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions offer new avenues for low-threshold prevention and treatment in young people. Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) represent a powerful approach that allows for adaptive, real-time, and real-world delivery of intervention components in daily life by real-time processing of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data. Compassion-focused interventions (CFIs) may be particularly amenable to translation into an EMI to strengthen emotional resilience and modify putative risk mechanisms, such as stress sensitivity, in the daily lives of young help-seeking individuals. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the feasibility, safety, and initial therapeutic effects of a novel, accessible, transdiagnostic, ecological momentary CFI for improving emotional resilience to stress (EMIcompass). METHODS In this uncontrolled pilot study, help-seeking youth with psychotic, depressive, or anxiety symptoms were offered the EMIcompass intervention in addition to treatment as usual. The EMIcompass intervention consisted of a 3-week EMI (including enhancing, consolidating, and EMA-informed interactive tasks) administered through a mobile health app and three face-to-face sessions with a trained psychologist intended to provide guidance and training on the CFI exercises presented in the app (ie, training session, follow-up booster session, and review session). RESULTS In total, 10 individuals (mean age 20.3 years, SD 3.8; range 14-25) were included in the study. Most (8/10, 80%) participants were satisfied and reported a low burden of app usage. No adverse events were observed. In approximately one-third of all EMAs, individuals scored high on stress, negative affect, or threat anticipation during the intervention period, resulting in real-time, interactive delivery of the CFI intervention components in addition to weekly enhancing and daily consolidating tasks. Although the findings should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size, reduced stress sensitivity, momentary negative affect, and psychotic experiences, along with increased positive affect, were found at postintervention and the 4-week follow-up. Furthermore, reductions in psychotic, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were found (r=0.30-0.65). CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence on the feasibility and safety of the EMIcompass intervention for help-seeking youth and lend initial support to beneficial effects on stress sensitivity and mental health outcomes. An exploratory randomized controlled trial is warranted to establish the feasibility and preliminary evidence of its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rauschenberg
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Isabell Paetzold
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Koen Schruers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Mondriaan Mental Health Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Mondriaan Mental Health Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ling NCY, Serpell L, Burnett-Stuart S, Pugh M. Interviewing anorexia: How do individuals given a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa experience Voice Dialogue with their eating disorder voice? A qualitative analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:600-610. [PMID: 34269497 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A proportion of individuals given an eating disorder diagnosis describe the experience of an eating disorder 'voice' (EDV). However, methods for working with this experience are currently lacking. Voice Dialogue (Stone & Stone, 1989) involves direct communication between a facilitator and parts of the self to increase awareness, understanding, and separation from inner voices. Adapted forms of this method have shown promise in working with voices in psychosis. This study aimed to explore the experience and acceptability of Voice Dialogue amongst individuals with anorexia nervosa who experience an EDV. Nine women participated in a semistructured interview following a single Voice Dialogue session. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three overarching themes were identified as follows: (i) "separating from the EDV"; (ii) "better understanding of the EDV"; and (iii) "hopeful, motivated, and afraid of recovery". The majority of participants found Voice Dialogue acceptable and helpful for exploring their EDV. Whilst preliminary, the results suggest that Voice Dialogue has potential in terms of helping individuals establish a more constructive relationship with their EDV and motivating change. Further research is needed to build upon these findings. Implications for addressing the EDV using voice-focused interventions are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Chua Yi Ling
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy Serpell
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Burnett-Stuart
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Pugh
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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29
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Heriot-Maitland C, Levey V. A case report of compassion-focused therapy for distressing voice-hearing experiences. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:1821-1835. [PMID: 34252979 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a 6-month period of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for a client who has a 35-year history of hearing voices that are threatening, derogatory, and abusive. In this intervention, the client is encouraged to develop compassionate motives toward herself and to her voices, recognizing that her voices may have been functional in the context of difficult early experiences. The client develops a compassionate self-identity, which becomes the vehicle through which she approaches therapeutic tasks, such as listening and talking to voices, engaging with traumatic childhood pain, and resolving emotional conflicts. The client is an author on this study, so is able to provide valuable first-hand insights into the experience of working compassionately with her voices, and of experiencing CFT techniques for the first time.
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30
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Carvalho D, Marques CC, Pinto AM, Martins MJ, Leal I, Castilho P. Fears of compassion scales in psychosis: confirmatory factor analysis and psychometric properties. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01979-y] [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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Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative beliefs about the self, including low self-compassion, have been identified as a putative causal factor in the occurrence of paranoia. Therefore, improving self-compassion may be one route to reduce paranoia. AIMS To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical effects of a brief compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions. METHOD Twelve patients with persecutory delusions received an individual four-session compassionate imagery intervention. Assessments of self-concept and paranoia were completed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. A qualitative study exploring participants' experiences of the treatment was also completed. RESULTS Twelve out of 14 eligible patients referred to the study agreed to take part. All participants completed all therapy sessions and assessments. Post-treatment, there were improvements in self-compassion (change score -0.64, 95% CI -1.04, -0.24, d = -1.78), negative beliefs about the self (change score 2.42, 95% CI -0.37, 5.20, d = 0.51), and paranoia (change score 10.08, 95% CI 3.47, 16.69, d = 0.61). There were no serious adverse events. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 'effortful learning', 'seeing change' and 'taking it forward'. Participants described a process of active and effortful engagement in therapy which was rewarded with positive changes, including feeling calmer, gaining clarity, and developing acceptance. CONCLUSION This uncontrolled feasibility study indicates that a brief compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions is feasible, acceptable, and may lead to clinical benefits.
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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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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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Longden E, Corstens D, Pyle M, Emsley R, Peters S, Chauhan N, Dehmahdi N, Morrison AP. Engaging dialogically with auditory hallucinations: design, rationale and baseline sample characteristics of the Talking With Voices pilot trial. PSYCHOSIS-PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2021.1884740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Longden
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dirk Corstens
- GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Texel/den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Pyle
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Peters
- 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, Manchester, UK
| | - Nisha Chauhan
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Nikki Dehmahdi
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony P. Morrison
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- 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, Manchester, UK
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35
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Petrocchi N, Cosentino T, Pellegrini V, Femia G, D'Innocenzo A, Mancini F. Compassion-Focused Group Therapy for Treatment-Resistant OCD: Initial Evaluation Using a Multiple Baseline Design. Front Psychol 2021; 11:594277. [PMID: 33510677 PMCID: PMC7835278 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.594277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that can easily become a treatment-resistant condition. Although effective therapies exist, only about half of the patients seem to benefit from them when we consider treatment refusal, dropout rates, and residual symptoms. Thus, providing effective augmentation to standard therapies could improve existing treatments. Group compassion-focused interventions have shown promise for reducing depression, anxiety, and avoidance related to various clinical problems, but this approach has never been evaluated for OCD individuals. However, cultivating compassion for self and others seems crucial for OCD patients, given the accumulating research suggesting that fear of guilt, along with isolation and self-criticism, can strongly contribute to the development and maintenance of OCD. The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the acceptability, tolerability, and effectiveness of an 8-week group compassion-focused intervention for reducing OCD symptoms, depression, fear of guilt and self-criticism, and increasing common humanity and compassionate self-reassuring skills in treatment-resistant OCD patients. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, the intervention was evaluated in a sample of OCD patients (N = 8) who had completed at least 6 months of CBT treatment for OCD, but who continued to suffer from significant symptoms. Participants were randomized to different baseline assessment lengths; they then received 8 weekly, 120-min group sessions of compassion-focused therapy for OCD (CFT-OCD), and then were tested again at post-treatment and at 1 month follow up. Despite the adverse external circumstances (post-treatment and follow-up data collection were carried out, respectively, at the beginning and in the middle of the Italian lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic), by the end of treatment, all participants demonstrated reliable decreases in OCD symptoms, and these improvements were maintained at 4-week follow-up for seven of eight participants. The intervention was also associated with improvements in fear of guilt, self-criticism, and self-reassurance, but less consistent improvements in depression and common humanity. Participants reported high levels of acceptability of and satisfaction with the intervention. Results suggest that the intervention may be beneficial as either a stand-alone treatment or as an augmentation to other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Petrocchi
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy.,Compassionate Mind Italia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Pellegrini
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella D'Innocenzo
- Compassionate Mind Italia, Rome, Italy.,Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva S.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mancini
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva S.r.l., Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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36
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Heriot-Maitland C, Wykes T, Peters E. Trauma and Social Pathways to Psychosis, and Where the Two Paths Meet. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:804971. [PMID: 35082703 PMCID: PMC8785245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.804971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathways from trauma-via dissociation-to psychosis have been thoroughly tested and evidenced, but what has received less attention has been the social pathways-via dissociation-to psychosis. Often social factors are more commonly linked to other influences, e.g., to appraisals and the creation of negative schema in cognitive models, or to unsupportive caregiving experiences where there is high "expressed emotion." However, evidence is now emerging that negative social rank experiences, such as being excluded or shamed, may themselves have dissociative properties, which poses intriguing questions as to how trauma pathways and social pathways might interact. This article reviews the state of knowledge in trauma and social pathways to psychosis and then considers the potential mechanisms and the relationships between them, specifically (i) dissociation, (ii) attachment, and (iii) social rank. Recommendations are suggested for future modeling and testing of three-way interactions (dissociation × attachment × social rank) in the pathway from trauma to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Heriot-Maitland
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Mental Health Research Facility, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuelle Peters
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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37
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Luther L, Rosen C, Cummins JS, Sharma RP. The multidimensional construct of resilience across the psychosis spectrum: Evidence of alterations in people with early and prolonged psychosis. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2020; 43:225-233. [PMID: 31750682 PMCID: PMC7239739 DOI: 10.1037/prj0000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that resilience impacts functional outcomes and is often reduced among those with prolonged psychosis. However, little work has examined when during the course of psychosis resilience declines and whether resilience impacts symptoms and functioning similarly in different illness phases. This study examined whether overall resilience (a) differed between those with early compared to relatively prolonged psychosis, (b) differed between the psychosis groups and nonclinical controls, and (c) differentially related to symptoms and functioning in the psychosis groups. METHOD Participants with early (n = 30) and prolonged psychosis (n = 64) and nonclinical controls (n = 58) completed the Resilience Scale. Psychosis participants also completed clinician-rated functioning and symptom measures. Analyses of Variance were used to compare group resilience levels. Pearson's correlations identified relationships between resilience, symptoms, and functioning. RESULTS Overall resilience levels did not significantly differ between the psychosis groups, but both psychosis groups had lower resilience than nonclinical controls. Higher overall resilience was significantly associated with lower negative symptoms in the early psychosis group and lower mood symptoms in the prolonged psychosis group; greater resilience was significantly associated with higher functioning in both psychosis groups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Resilience may be reduced throughout the course of psychosis but may differentially impact symptom domains in different illness phases. Targeting resilience with psychosocial interventions may be important throughout the course of psychosis and may lead to improvements in functioning as well as negative symptoms and mood symptoms (in early and prolonged psychosis, respectively). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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38
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Norman D, Correia H, Paulik G. An exploration of relationship between self‐compassion and voice‐related distress in people who hear voices. J Clin Psychol 2020; 76:1984-1994. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Norman
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Helen Correia
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - Georgie Paulik
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- Perth Voices Clinic Murdoch Western Australia Australia
- School of Psychological Science University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia
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39
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Rosen C, McCarthy-Jones S, Chase KA, Jones N, Luther L, Melbourne JK, Sudhalkar N, Sharma RP. The role of inner speech on the association between childhood adversity and 'hearing voices'. Psychiatry Res 2020; 286:112866. [PMID: 32088506 PMCID: PMC10731775 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with later development of psychosis, particularly auditory verbal hallucinations and delusions. Although auditory hallucinations have been proposed to be misattributed inner speech, the relation between childhood adversity and inner speech has not been previously investigated. The first aim was to test whether childhood adversity is associated with inner speech in persons with psychosis. The second aim was to test for the influence of inner speech on the association between childhood adversity and auditory hallucinations. Our final aim was to test for evidence that would falsify the null hypothesis that inner speech does not impact the relationship between childhood adversity and delusions. In persons with psychosis, we found a positive association between childhood adversity and dialogic inner speech. There was a significant total effect of childhood adversity on auditory hallucinations, including an indirect effect of childhood adversity on auditory hallucinations via dialogic inner speech. There was also a significant total effect of childhood adversity on delusions, but no evidence of any indirect effect via inner speech. These findings suggest that childhood adversities are associated with inner speech and psychosis. The relation between childhood adversity and auditory hallucination severity could be partially influenced by dialogic inner speech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherise Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Kayla A Chase
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nev Jones
- Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren Luther
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Niyati Sudhalkar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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40
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Rosen C, Chase KA, Perona-Garcelán S, Marvin RW, Sharma RP. The psychometric properties of the DAIMON Scale, a translation from Spanish to English: An instrument to measure the relationship with and between voices. PSYCHOSIS-PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIAL AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES 2019; 12:45-56. [PMID: 32983256 DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2019.1652843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cherise Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kayla A Chase
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Salvador Perona-Garcelán
- University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, and University of Seville Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Department, Spain
| | - Robert W Marvin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rajiv P Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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