Abstract

The objective of this review was to systematically review the available research on psychotherapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVH). This review focused on interventions evaluated using Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). Data on the treatment protocols and their efficacy was reviewed, as well as proposed mechanisms of change. Included treatment protocols were evaluated for their attention to culture. Using specific search criteria, 17 studies were identified and evaluated. Out of the 17 included studies, three utilized individual and group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) as their intervention of choice and six utilized individually created therapies based upon the principles of CBTp. Two of the studies utilized protocols based on third wave cognitive behavioral therapies. Four studies used technology-based treatment protocols including virtual reality therapy, one study utilized an imagery training protocol, and one study utilized an experienced focused counseling treatment protocol. The efficacy of these treatment protocols were variable. Across the included interventions, treatment targets included sense of self-efficacy, acceptance of AVH, the interpretation of AVH, and combinations of these targets. Only one treatment protocol was adapted to be more culturally congruent to the patients participating. The variety of outcome measures utilized, inconsistent findings, and methodological limitations limits the generalization of the conclusions. However, it was consistently found that engagement with some therapy was found to show improvements over Treatment As Usual (TAU). Future research should focus on identifying adaptive coping strategies to be applying across therapeutic orientations, that can be adapted to the individual voice hearer.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Psychotherapy; Auditory hallucinations

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Stephanie Woo

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