Auditory Hallucinations

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that alternatives to pharmacological interventions in working with people who experience hearing voices are often seen as secondary or adjunctive to the use of drugs. The paper assesses that these alternatives are the last and often best hope of relief for many people who are tormented by their experiences with voices. The paper discusses several interventions in this area with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. The paper also examines distraction or counter-stimulation techniques. The alternatives to pharmacology in working with people that experience hearing voices are explored and expected outcomes compared.

From the Paper:

"Up to 5% of the population hear voices regularly. Some studies suggest over half the population have had the experience of hearing voices at some time. (Nelson 1997) Not all of these people consider hearing voices a form of mental illness. However the psychiatric profession more often views the experience of hearing voices as a psychosis which requires pharmacological intervention. There are some problems with the use of drugs to control voices. The most evident problem being the side effects of the drugs. Clientele often express that the side effects are worse than the experience of hearing voices."

More papers on Auditory Hallucinations:

• Research Paper # 68900 : "Phenomenology and Auditory Hallucinations"
• Essay # 28082 : "Hallucinations"
• Descriptive Essay # 24191 : "Hallucinatory Disorders"

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