Relating therapy for voices (the R2V study): study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) shows moderate effectiveness, but evidence for its use with distressing voices is less convincing.
• An interpersonal perspective on distressing voices has informed the development of "relating therapy."
• Previous case series suggest "relating therapy" is acceptable to both patients and therapists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an external pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) for "relating therapy" in individuals experiencing distressing voices.
• To refine the study protocol for a definitive RCT.
• To estimate the effect size of "relating therapy" to inform sample size calculations for future studies.

Main Methods:

• A pilot RCT comparing "relating therapy" plus usual treatment (n=15) against usual treatment alone (n=15).
• Participants received 16 hours of "relating therapy" over 16 weeks.
• Assessments conducted at baseline, 16 weeks (post-intervention), and 36 weeks (follow-up) using questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The pilot study aims to provide data for a definitive RCT.
• Expected outcomes include a refined study protocol.
• An estimate of the effect size for "relating therapy" will be determined.

Conclusions:

• "Relating therapy" is being investigated as a potential evidence-based psychological intervention for distressing voices.
• If proven effective in a full RCT, "relating therapy" could expand treatment options for individuals with psychosis.
• This research contributes to the development of targeted therapies for auditory hallucinations.