None listed
Conditions
Interventions
Auditory hallucinations (AHs), often described as voices, are a common symptom of schizophrenia and related psychoses. Command hallucinations (CHs) are a type of auditory hallucinations in which the voice heard by the patient commands him or her to perform a particular action. When heard, such commands often impose great pressure for obedience. CHs frequently urge dangerous acts and are associated with greater levels of disability and distress compared to patients with non-command AHs. Although
Auditory hallucinations (AHs), often described as voices, are a common symptom of schizophrenia and related psychoses. Command hallucinations (CHs) are a type of auditory hallucinations in which the voice heard by the patient commands him or her to perform a particular action. When heard, such commands often impose great pressure for obedience. CHs frequently urge dangerous acts and are associated with greater levels of disability and distress compared to patients with non-command AHs. Although anti-psychotic medication is helpful in preventing compliance, it is not fully effective. We are conducting a randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural treatment for CHs (TORCH: Treatment of Resistant Command Hallucinations). The aim of TORCH is to reduce the distress, worry and harmful or self-defeating behaviour associated with CHs. Treatment comprises 15 sessions with a psychologist, normally conducted at weekly intervals.
Sponsors
The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified or mood disorder with psychotic features; have experienced command hallucinations over previous 6 months that have cause distress or dysfuntion despite receiving treatment with anti-psychotic medication at doses in therapeutic range.
Exclusion criteria
Neurological disorder affecting cognitive function; premorbid IQ below 70; insufficient conversational English for meaningful participation.
Outcome results
None listed