SMART therapy for auditory hallucinations

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Source Monitoring Auditory Rehabilitation Training for Auditory Hallucinations: Proof of Concept Study

  • IRAS ID

    187172

  • Contact name

    Richard Bentall

  • Contact email

    richard.bentall@liverpool.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Liverpool (Research Support Office)

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 11 months, 28 days

  • Research summary

    This is a feasibility study of a novel intervention for psychotic patients suffering from auditory-verbal hallucinations. The study is designed to ascertain: (i) whether a brief melodic intonation therapy (basically, singing training) might improve source monitoring (the ability to distinguish between one's own speech and the speech of others, a fundamental problem in hallucinations); (ii) whether the intervention might result in improved integrity of a neural pathway (arcuate fasciculus) linking the speech generating areas of the brain (frontal cortex) with the speech perception areas (superior temporal cortex). Participants will be assessed for source monitoring and using a magnetic resonance imaging scan before and after the one-session intervention. There will be a no-treatment control group; the aim is to provide a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of this approach.

  • REC name

    North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/NW/0291

  • Date of REC Opinion

    12 Sep 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion