Characterizing the experience of auditory verbal hallucinations and accompanying delusions in individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder: A systematic review.
Bipolar Disorders September 1, 2017 L M Smith, L C Johns, Rlc Mitchell
Psychotic symptoms, especially auditory verbal hallucinations and delusions, are common during both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder, though more frequent in mania. Delusions with persecutory, grandiose, and referential themes are most common. Auditory hallucinations often co-occur with delusions, and delusion subtype may vary by mood state and hallucination type. Evidence suggests that how people with bipolar disorder interpret their voices may differ from patterns seen in schizophrenia that predict clinical outcomes. There are significant gaps in understanding the first-person experience of hallucinations in bipolar disorder and their relationship to other symptoms. Further research on cognitive interpretations could inform adapted psychological treatments.