Cognitive Theory and Therapy for Command Hallucinations

Sian Lowri Griffiths; Maria Michail; Max Birchwood

doi:10.5127/jep.025811

Cognitive Theory and Therapy for Command Hallucinations

Journal of Experimental Psychopathology ◽

10.5127/jep.025811 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 537-551

Author(s):

Sian Lowri Griffiths ◽

Maria Michail ◽

Max Birchwood

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Theory ◽

Command Hallucinations

Download Full-text

Command Hallucinations: Cognitive Theory, Therapy, and Research

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1891/jcop.17.1.67.58271 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 67-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Sarah Byrne ◽

Peter Trower ◽

Max Birchwood ◽

Alan Meaden ◽

Angela Nelson

Keyword(s):

Potential Role ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Social Rank ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

High Risk Group ◽

Illustrative Case ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Promising Treatment ◽

Command Hallucinations

Command hallucinations (CH) are a distressing and high-risk group of symptoms that have long been recognized but little understood, with few effective treatments. Research shows that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a promising treatment for hallucinations in general and therefore has a potential role in the treatment of CH. We propose that the development of an effective CBT for CH would be enhanced by a theory specific to this uniquely problematic symptom. In this article we describe and apply such a theory from evolutionary psychology, namely social rank theory, and review recent evidence for its application to hallucinations in general. Second, we present a treatment protocol developed in accordance with the principles of the theory specifically for CH, and describe an illustrative case. Finally, we outline the design and methodology of a new, randomized, controlled trial currently being undertaken to test the efficacy of the treatment. Further developments both in the protocol and in its evaluation are discussed.

Download Full-text