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

Paul Chadwick, Clara Strauss, Anna Marie Jones, David Kingdon, Lyn Ellett, Laura Dannahy, Mark Hayward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Group Person-Based Cognitive Therapy (PBCT) integrates cognitive therapy and mindfulness to target distinct sources of distress in psychosis. The present study presents data from the first randomised controlled trial investigating group PBCT in people distressed by hearing voices. One-hundred and eight participants were randomised to receive either group PBCT and Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU only. While there was no significant effect on the primary outcome, a measure of general psychological distress, results showed significant between-group post-intervention benefits in voice-related distress, perceived controllability of voices and recovery. Participants in the PBCT group reported significantly lower post-treatment levels of depression, with this effect maintained at six-month follow-up. Findings suggest PBCT delivered over 12 weeks effectively impacts key dimensions of the voice hearing experience, supports meaningful behaviour change, and has lasting effects on mood.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)168-173
Number of pages6
JournalSchizophrenia Research
Volume175
Issue number1-3
Early online date14 Apr 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Aug 2016

Funding

The research was funded by a grant from NIHR ( PB-PG-0110-21239 ). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, NIHR or the Department of Health.

Keywords

  • Distressing voices
  • Group therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Person-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • Randomised Controlled Trial
  • Schizophrenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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