Listening to voices: understanding and self-management of auditory verbal hallucinations in young adults

Abstract

Background: Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVH) are a hallmark of psychosis, but affect many other clinical populations. Patients’ understanding and self-management of AVH may differ between diagnostic groups, change over time, and influence clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore patients’ understanding and self-management of AVH in a young adult clinical population. Methods: 35 participants were purposively sampled from a youth mental health service. Participants completed diary and photo-elicitation tasks, and the resulting materials were discussed at in-depth interviews. Themes were derived using conventional content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged. (1) Searching for answ..