Refining the process of change within CBT for Visual Hallucinations
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Refining the process of change within CBT for Visual Hallucinations
IRAS ID
161747
Contact name
Christina Thomson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
To date, there has been little research into our understanding of the mechanisms of visual hallucinations (VH) and ways in which they can be treated requires further development. This is surprising as VH are relatively common, and evidence indicates that the occurrence of VH is linked to increased global severity of psychosis (Mueser, Bellack & Brady, 1990).
Collerton and Dudley (2004) produced a psychological model to understand and treat VH. This is based upon a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) framework, considering how the meaning an individual attaches to a VH affects their emotional response, and subsequently their behaviours. In the first case series for CBT for distressing VH (Wilson 2012) it was found that this treatment was acceptable and useful to an extent. However, further research is required to extend this study and overcome its limitations so that more meaningful conclusions may be drawn about the process by which change occurs, and the effectiveness of CBT for VH.
This study will recruit individuals who are supported by the Early Intervention Psychosis service. Participants without capacity to consent will not be eligible to participate. Participants will be offered 12 sessions of CBT for VH from a trained therapist. Rather than compare groups of people who do or do not receive treatment we are first exploring whether this treatment is effective. Hence, before commencing therapy there will be a baseline period of between 3 to 6 weeks to ensure stability in the individual symptoms has been achieved. Then we can consider whether changes in people's difficulties result from the treatment we have offered. Participants will be asked to keep a daily diary to track the process of change. Participants will be free to receive therapy without completing the daily diaries and there will be a separate write-up for this.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/1232
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion