Multi-family treatment for patients with persistent auditory hallucinations and their relatives: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

To test feasibility and effectiveness of multi-family treatment (MFT) for patients with persistent auditory hallucinations.

METHOD: A naturalistic pilot study with 6-month follow-up of 12 patients and 10 relatives. Pre- and post-treatment assessment concerned compliance, satisfaction, subjective burden, and control of voices, psychopathology, quality of life, social functioning and burden on the family.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found in all domains. Compliance and satisfaction with treatment were satisfactory. Self-help contacts outside treatment sessions increased over time.

CONCLUSION

MFT may be considered a potentially effective form of additional treatment for refractory voice hearers.