A comparison of auditory hallucinations in a psychiatric and non-psychiatric group.

OBJECTIVES

To compare auditory hallucinations in a psychiatric and non-psychiatric sample.

DESIGN

Between-participants group design: a psychiatric group of 14 patients with schizophrenia, and a non-psychiatric group of 16 participants with tinnitus.

METHOD: Participants were interviewed using the Mental Health Research Institute Unusual Perceptions Scale (MUPS).

RESULTS

The type of hallucinations differed: participants with tinnitus predominantly heard music, whereas the patients with schizophrenia heard voices speaking. The groups also differed in their explanations of the hallucinations. However, there were similarities in contributory factors, emotional responses and coping strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the multi-dimensional nature of the auditory hallucinatory experience, and opportunities for intervention.