Is hearing voices a cause for concern? That depends, study suggests

https://goo.gl/5mhWGv

Auditory hallucinations are often related to mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, but that is not always the case. People with no mental health complaints can sometimes also hear voices.

Dr. Varese and his colleagues point out that the voices only have a negative impact if they are in conflict with the individual's personal values and outlook. If the voices are harnessed to provide validation of goals and beliefs, then they can have a positive effect on the hearer's life.

It was found that the participants' reactions to the voices were an important factor in whether the voices interfered with or allowed them to pursue their life goals.

If the voices were in accordance with the hearer's belief system and personal goals, and the hearer reacted positively to them, then a positive outcome was more likely.

"Most voice-hearers with mental health difficulties in our study experienced their voices as a hindrance to achieving their goals, and viewed their voices as distressing and problematic. But other voice-hearers find that voices facilitate their valued goals, and are therefore a pleasant and constructive part of their lives," says Dr. Varese.

The results remained consistent even after relevant factors were accounted for, such as how hostile the voices were and how often they were heard.

This study is based on previous research undertaken with the same participants. In that research, the findings suggested that patients who were striving to ignore the voices, or who reacted negatively to them, had a lower quality of life.

The researchers advised that cognitive behavioral therapy targeting the patients' negative reactions would relieve the distress they experienced as a result.

At the core, it is the impact that the voices have on the hearers' personal goals that might dictate whether or not the individuals feel distress.