Coping with Auditory Hallucinations Worksheet

What are auditory hallucinations?

Auditory hallucinations are perceptions of sounds, voices, or noises that occur without any external stimulus. These cognitive distortions are experienced as real by the person hearing them, even though they are not present in the environment. Voice hearing may hear voices speaking to them or about them, music, noises, or other sounds that others cannot hear when they are having auditory hallucinations. There are different types of auditory hallucinations including:

• Voices conversing: Individuals may hear two or more voices engaging in a conversation, often discussing the person's thoughts or actions.
• Command hallucinations: These involve hearing voices that instruct the individual to perform specific, often harmful, actions.
• Commentary hallucinations: Voices provide a running commentary on the person's thoughts or behaviors as if narrating their actions.
• Musical hallucinations: People hear music, songs, or melodies that are not playing in the environment.

The causes of auditory hallucinations are diverse and can be linked to various factors, including psychological medicine, neurological conditions, and substance use. Here are some of the most common factors:

• Mental health disorders: Conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are commonly associated with auditory hallucinations.
• Neurological conditions: Issues such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and dementia can lead to hallucinations.
• Substance use: Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, as well as intoxication, can trigger hallucinations.
• Medications: Certain medications may have side effects that include hallucinations.
• Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can lead to hallucinations in some individuals.
• Stress and trauma: Experiencing severe stress or traumatic events can sometimes result in hallucinations.

Auditory hallucinations are a common symptom in various mental health conditions, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Understanding the nature and types of these hallucinations is crucial for mental health professionals to provide appropriate treatment and support.

Coping strategies for auditory hallucinations

Knudson and Coyle (1999) identified various coping skills that can support individuals who live with auditory hallucinations. Key approaches include recognizing and identifying hallucinations, grounding oneself through physical sensations, and differentiating between real and imagined experiences. Distraction through enjoyable activities, reality testing, and relaxation techniques can also help. Building a support network, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and practicing mindfulness and acceptance are all activities that are in this worksheet, and allow individuals to manage their experiences more effectively. These strategies can improve overall well-being and provide greater control over hallucinations.

How to use this template

Our printable Coping with Auditory Hallucinations Worksheet is designed to help mental health professionals guide their clients through managing auditory hallucinations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the template:

Step 1: Access the template

The first step is for mental health professionals to access or download the "Coping with Auditory Hallucinations Worksheet" from Carepatron. Click the "Use template" button to access it via the Carepatron app or the pick the "Download" button for a PDF copy.

Step 2: Explain the worksheet to the client

Before the client begins filling out the worksheet, take the time to explain each section and its purpose. This ensures that the client understands the requested information and how it will be used to manage their symptoms.

Step 3: Guide the client through the worksheet

Work through the worksheet with the client, providing support and advice as they fill out each section, and emphasize the importance of early intervention for managing symptoms effectively. This can be done during a therapy session or by providing instructions for the client to complete the worksheet independently before discussing it together in the next session.

Step 4: Assess the responses and develop a plan

Once the client has completed the worksheet, review their responses together. Use this information to assess their coping strategies and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may involve refining existing strategies, introducing new techniques, or exploring additional therapeutic options.

By following these steps, mental health professionals can effectively use the worksheet to support clients in managing their auditory hallucinations and improving their overall well-being. This template works best when combined with a hallucination diary and the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale.

Clinical interventions and treatment

Managing auditory hallucinations often requires a comprehensive treatment plan that includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Here are some key clinical interventions and treatment options for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations:

Medication

Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to help reduce the intensity and frequency of auditory hallucinations. Using antipsychotic medication works by targeting neurotransmitter systems in the brain and can be effective in psychosis treatment and management. Still, it's important to monitor potential side effects such as weight gain.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A study  on cognitive therapy conducted by van der Gaag et al. (2014) found that CBT was an effective tool for the treatment of auditory hallucinations. In the context of auditory hallucinations, cognitive therapy can assist voice hearers in challenging and changing unhelpful beliefs associated with their experiences.

Psychoeducation

Educating individuals about their condition can empower them to better understand the mental illness and cope with their symptoms in both the early stages, present moment and long term. Psychoeducation can provide insight into the nature of auditory hallucinations and offer strategies for managing them effectively. It also assists in personal development.

Family therapy

Involving family members in the treatment process can provide additional support for the individual and help family members understand the challenges associated with auditory hallucinations. Family therapy can improve communication and coping strategies within the family unit.

Support groups

Participating in peer support groups or group therapy can offer individuals a sense of community and an opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies with others who have similar experiences.

Art and music therapy

Distraction techniques like creative activities such as art and music therapy sessions can provide a therapeutic outlet for expression and help individuals process the emotions associated with auditory verbal hallucinations and voice hearing.

References

Knudson, B., & Coyle, A. (1999). Coping strategies for auditory hallucinations: A review. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 12(1), 25–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515079908254075

van der Gaag, M., Valmaggia, L. R., & Smit, F. (2014). The effects of individually tailored formulation-based cognitive behavioural therapy in auditory hallucinations and delusions: A meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Research, 156(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2014.03.016