Diary Study of Auditory Hallucination Triggers in Early Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Diary Study of Auditory Verbal Hallucination Triggers in Early Course Psychosis
IRAS ID
137258
Contact name
Andrew Laughland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Research summary
This exploratory study looks at the nature and frequency of hearing voices in everyday life, particularly examining triggers. We believe it is the first to look at early course psychosis in a homogeneous early intervention sample.\n\nWe will look at conditions in which AVH experiences occur, including activities, surroundings and concentration.\n\nOur hypothesis is that a common and powerful trigger may be cognitive: when the mind is not heavily engaged in ongoing tasks, AVHs may occur. Conversely, cognitively demanding activities may inhibit AVHs.\n\nParticipants are sought in early course psychosis (psychosis length under five years) who are in the early intervention in psychosis service, age range 18-38.\n\nWhile it is possible to ask patients retrospectively what they think triggers their AVHs this is not reliable. We will ask patients to record their AVHs in a diary, either a paper booklet, or if the patient owns an iPhone in a novel electronic diary. Using these methods we will capture AVH details and triggers as soon as possible after occurrence in everyday life.\n\nIn addition, we will gather information about the social circumstances and emotions that immediately precede the AVH. Patients will record when the AVHs occur, a description and some ratings. We will analyse the nature and frequency of their AVHs for any patterns.\n\nA second important aim is to look for therapeutic benefit in recording AVHs, e.g, a reduction in frequency, or distress, or an ability to pinpoint trigger situations. There is growing evidence of the benefits of diary-keeping in mental health.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0405
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion