Introduction
Voices (auditory verbal hallucinations) are one of the most frequently reported symptoms of psychotic disorders. They can also be experienced by people who have no formal psychiatric diagnosis.
The form and content of voices varies from person to person: they can be experienced inside or outside the head, they can be commentary or imperative, and either pleasant or derogatory. People can hear a number of different voices, and sometimes a voice can be recognised by the voice hearer as a familiar or famous person. Voices can cause considerable distress and disability.
The first line of treatment is medication, but not everyone responds to this. Psychological interventions can be effective and there are new treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, which also look promising.
Related links :: South London and Maudlsey :: Institute of Psychiatry :: Download leaflet