[Psychopathology and neurobiological bases of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.]

Cognitive therapies of delusions and hallucinations are increasingly common and offer a complementary or interesting alternative to neuroleptic medication. But then again must these therapeutic approach relie on an explanatory neuropsychological basis. According to many observers, the study of the cardinal symptoms of schizophrenia is the " royal path " leading to the elucidation of this disabling and chronic illness affecting around 0,5% to 1% of the population. In this perspective, auditory hallucinations are one of the major symptoms of schizophrenia found in 50% to 80% of cases. Recently, experimental data drawn from cognitive neuropsychology and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have allowed the elaboration of many models regarding this symptomatic manifestation. This article proposes a literature review on the subject of psychopathology and neurobiological bases of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia and aims at proposing some leads that could contribute to a better undertanding of this phenomenon.