Control of persistent auditory hallucinations through audiotape therapy (three case reports)

Auditory hallucinations are found in patients with schizophrenia. For some patients with persistent psychotic symptoms, hallucinations are unresponsive to medications. We report three cases with schizophrenia and persistent auditory hallucinations. In this study three types of tapes were used: pure music, music and speech, blank tapes. The patients were asked to record the duration and severity of their auditory hallucinations when they were listening to tapes. Audiotape therapy led to a significant decrease in the duration and severity of the hallucinations (p < 0.05). This study supports treating persistent auditory hallucination by altering external stimulation. Therefore, audiotape therapy could be helpful.