The Acceptability, Feasibility and Potential Outcomes of an Individual Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Hearing Voices.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and potential outcomes of an individual mindfulness program for persistent voices in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Results Summary
The study found low attrition rates, high engagement, and small to moderate improvements in the negative impact of voices, depression, and disruption, with large effects on mindful responding and attentional switching.
Population
14 participants with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and persistent voices.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
4 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
individual mindfulness program for persistent voices (iMPV) | decrease | negative impact of voices on experience | participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices | small to moderate effects | suggested small to moderate effects for a reduction | #1 |
individual mindfulness program for persistent voices (iMPV) | decrease | depression | participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices | small to moderate effects | suggested small to moderate effects for a reduction | #2 |
individual mindfulness program for persistent voices (iMPV) | decrease | disruption | participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices | small to moderate effects | suggested small to moderate effects for a reduction | #3 |
individual mindfulness program for persistent voices (iMPV) | increase | mindful responding | participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices | Large effects | Large effects for changes | #4 |
individual mindfulness program for persistent voices (iMPV) | increase | attentional switching | participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices | Large effects | Large effects for changes | #5 |
BACKGROUND: A prominent area of advancement in the psychological treatment for people with persisting psychosis has been the application of mindfulness-based therapies. Recent literature has recommended the investigation of focused mindfulness interventions for voices (auditory hallucinations) as a specific experience. To date, only mindfulness programs in group format have been examined. AIMS: This non-randomized pilot study aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility and potential outcomes of an individual mindfulness program for persistent voices on the negative impact of voices on the subjective experience of mental health and wellbeing, depression and voice-related distress and disruption. Also, it aimed to identify potential psychological and neurocognitive mechanisms of change. METHOD: A new 4-week individual Mindfulness Program for Voices (iMPV) was developed, and piloted with a group of 14 participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and persisting voices. Participants completed clinical and neurocognitive measures pre- and post-intervention and at 2-month follow-up. RESULTS: Results revealed low attrition rates, high formal practice engagement levels and positive participant feedback. Pre-post outcomes suggested small to moderate effects for a reduction in the negative impact of voices on experience, depression and disruption. Large effects for changes in mindful responding and attentional switching were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that this novel treatment protocol is appropriate, engaging and safe for persistent voice hearers. Findings for mindful responding and attentional switching suggest these to be potential mechanisms of change for further investigation. Further RCTs are warranted to ascertain the feasibility and efficacy for focused mindfulness interventions for voices of individual format.