Mindfulness-based group therapy for auditory hallucination management in schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

Auditory hallucinations, a core symptom of schizophrenia, affect 50-70% of patients and significantly impair their quality of life. Although multimodal treatments, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation, are commonly employed, their efficacy remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of Mindfulness-Based Auditory Hallucination Management (MBAHM) on auditory hallucinations, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Eighty patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to the MBAHM group (n = 40) or the control group (n = 40). The MBAHM group received a 2-h MBAHM intervention twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group received routine treatment and care. Auditory hallucinations, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The results revealed that, compared to both the baseline and the control group, the MBAHM group showed significant reductions in auditory hallucinations, anxiety, and depression, along with improvements in quality of life (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses further indicated significant associations between reductions in auditory hallucination severity, anxiety, and depression, alongside improvements in quality of life. These findings provide preliminary evidence that MBAHM may be an effective complementary approach for managing auditory hallucinations and improving overall well-being in patients with schizophrenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400088029. Date of registration: August 09, 2024.