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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Trauma-focused imaginal exposure for auditory hallucinations: A case series
Psychology and Psychotherapy, Vol.94(S2), pp.408-425
2021
PMID: 32436342
Abstract
Objective: There is mounting evidence that traumatic life events play a role in auditory hallucinations (AH). Theory suggests that some AH are decontextualized trauma memory intrusions. Exposure‐based trauma‐focused therapies that target trauma memory intrusions may therefore be a promising new treatment. We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a standard protocol trauma‐focused imaginal exposure intervention for trauma‐related AH and to provide initial proof of concept regarding potential effects on AH.
Design: We conducted a single‐arm case series of a six session (90 min per session) imaginal exposure intervention for trauma‐related AH with assessments at baseline, post‐therapy, and one‐month follow‐up.
Results: Fifteen people were recruited and eligible to start the intervention. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction; however, temporary distress and symptom exacerbation were common and contributed to discontinuation. There was a large reduction in AH severity at one‐month follow‐up (adjusted d = 0.99), but individual response was highly variable. There were also large reductions in post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the intrusiveness of the trauma memory.
Conclusions: Imaginal exposure for trauma‐related AH is generally acceptable and may have large effects on AH severity for some people. However, temporary distress and symptom exacerbation are common and can lead to discontinuation. Low referral rates and uptake also suggest feasibility issues for standalone imaginal exposure for AH. The intervention may be more feasible and acceptable in the context of a broader trauma‐focused therapy. Well‐powered trials are needed to determine efficacy and factors that impact on acceptability and therapy response.
Details
- Title
- Trauma-focused imaginal exposure for auditory hallucinations: A case series
- Authors
- Rachel M Brand (Author) - Swinburne University of TechnologySarah Bendall (Author) - The University of MelbourneAmy Hardy (Author) - King's College LondonSusan L Rossell (Author) - Swinburne University of TechnologyNeil Thomas (Corresponding Author) - Swinburne University of Technology
- Publication details
- Psychology and Psychotherapy, Vol.94(S2), pp.408-425; 18
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1111/papt.12284
- ISSN
- 2044-8341; 1476-0835
- PMID
- 32436342
- Copyright note
- © 2020 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution andreproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99510108902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Psychology, Clinical
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