Delivering CBT tailored to subtypes of voice-hearing. Version 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the acceptability of tailoring cognitive behavioural therapy to subtypes of voice-hearing, using a novel, tabletised manual. Version 2
IRAS ID
154662
Contact name
Guy Dodgson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 18 days
Research summary
Existing interventions for people who hear voices (i.e., auditory verbal hallucinations) have, at best, modest effects. However, existing research has treated voice-hearing as a uniform experience, despite evidence that subtypes of voice-hearing may exist. It is possible that therapy for voice-hearing may be more effective when it is tailored to the subtype of voice-hearing a person experiences.
This study will investigate the acceptability of a new treatment manual for voice-hearing, which is being used by some local clinicians and which encourages them to focus on the subtype of voice-hearing a service-user reports. The manual can be delivered via an iPad, which helps clinicians to demonstrate complicated ideas to service-users, through the use of a range of media. The study’s other aim is to examine whether delivering therapy via an iPad is acceptable.
The study will compare several outcomes in a group of 20 voice-hearers who receive treatment-as-usual with outcomes in a group of 20 voice-hearers who receive treatment that involves the novel manual. Participants will be recruited from local mental health services.
Participants will complete three or four assessments (depending on when they enter the study): the first as they commence therapy, the second as they complete ten weeks of therapy, the third 12 weeks later, and where possible, a fourth 12 weeks after the third assessment. These assessments will involve participants answering questions about how often they hear voices, how distressing their voices are, and how much control they feel they have over their voice-hearing.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1130
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion