Group mindfulness-based intervention for distressing voices: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Psychosis often involves distressing auditory hallucinations (hearing voices).
• Existing treatments may not fully address voice-related distress or recovery.
• Person-Based Cognitive Therapy (PBCT) combines cognitive therapy and mindfulness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of group Person-Based Cognitive Therapy (PBCT) for individuals distressed by hearing voices.
• To assess the impact of group PBCT on psychological distress, voice-related experiences, and recovery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 108 participants.
• Comparison between group PBCT plus Treatment As Usual (TAU) and TAU alone.
• Assessment of outcomes including general psychological distress, voice-related distress, and depression.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in general psychological distress (primary outcome).
• Significant improvements in voice-related distress, voice controllability, and recovery in the PBCT group.
• Reduced depression levels post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up in the PBCT group.

Conclusions:

• Group PBCT delivered over 12 weeks effectively reduces distress associated with hearing voices.
• PBCT supports meaningful behavior change and demonstrates lasting positive effects on mood.
• This therapy shows promise for improving key aspects of the voice-hearing experience and recovery in psychosis.