Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) show more similarities than differences across diagnoses of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. Among 34 AVH characteristics, significant differences emerged only for frequency, number of voices, form of address, perceived location, level of conviction, beliefs about origin, and functional interference. Distress and functional impairment were best predicted by specific AVH variables, and these predictors differed between affective and non-affective psychosis. A qualitative thematic analysis identified four themes: content, form, function, and non-voice experiences. The findings suggest important implications for diagnosis and treatment.
A virtual reality (VR) mindfulness app that placed users in a peaceful forest environment significantly increased state mindfulness and positive affect in a sample of 37 participants from the general population. State mindfulness showed a large increase (Cohen d=1.80), and positive affect also rose. No notable changes in negative emotion, arousal, or simulator sickness occurred. Participants described the experience as relaxing and calming, noting that VR helped them focus on the present moment by using visual and auditory elements as attentional anchors. The sense of presence in the virtual environment supported mindfulness, while interruptions to presence acted as distractors. Minor discomforts related to video fidelity and headset weight were infrequent.