Better than mermaids and stray dogs? Subtyping auditory verbal hallucinations and its implications for research and practice.
Simon McCarthy-Jones, Neil Thomas, Clara Strauss, Guy Dodgson, Nev Jones, Angela Woods, Chris R Brewin, Mark Hayward, Massoud Stephane, Jack Barton, David Kingdon, Iris E C Sommer
Schizophrenia Bulletin July 2014 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbu018 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Avh Hearing voices Schizophrenia Symptom classification Trauma |
| Key points | Argues that the phenomenological diversity of auditory verbal hallucinations is not accounted for by any single-mechanism model, and proposes five subtypes: hypervigilance; autobiographical memory (dissociative and nondissociative); inner speech (obsessional, own thought, and novel); epileptic; and deafferentation. Suggests other features, such as negative content and command form, are dimensional constructs varying across subtypes, and calls for a subtype assessment tool. |
Abstract
The phenomenological diversity of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) is not currently accounted for by any model based around a single mechanism. This has led to the proposal that there may be distinct AVH subtypes, which each possess unique (as well as shared) underpinning mechanisms. This could have important implications both for research design and clinical interventions because different subtypes may be responsive to different types of treatment. This article explores how AVH subtypes may be identified at the levels of phenomenology, cognition, neurology, etiology, treatment response, diagnosis, and voice hearer's own interpretations. Five subtypes are proposed; hypervigilance, autobiographical memory (subdivided into dissociative and nondissociative), inner speech (subdivided into obsessional, own thought, and novel), epileptic and deafferentation. We suggest other facets of AVH, including negative content and form (eg, commands), may be best treated as dimensional constructs that vary across subtypes. After considering the limitations and challenges of AVH subtyping, we highlight future research directions, including the need for a subtype assessment tool.
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Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- Sensory and Quasi-Sensory Experiences of the Deceased in Bereavement: An Interdisciplinary and Integrative Review Schizophrenia Bulletin August 19, 2020
- Quantifying auditory impressions in dreams in order to assess the relevance of dreaming as a model for psychosis PLoS One March 12, 2020
- Multiplicity in the experience of voice-hearing: A phenomenological inquiry. Journal of Psychiatric Research December 1, 2022
- An Exploration of Multilinguals’ Voice-Hearing Experiences Language and Psychoanalysis May 15, 2022
- Auditory Hallucinations in Occupational Contexts: Clinical and Organizational Implications Bulletin of Integrative Psychiatry June 15, 2026
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Cites 15
- Dopaminergic function in the psychosis spectrum: an [18F]-DOPA imaging study in healthy individuals with auditory hallucinations. Schizophrenia Bulletin January 26, 2012
- The Phenomenological Diversity of Hallucinations: Some theoretical and clinical implications Psychologica Belgica March 1, 2006
- A preliminary investigation into the existence of a hypervigilance subtype of auditory hallucination in people with psychosis. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy January 2015
- Culture and hallucinations: overview and future directions. Schizophrenia Bulletin July 1, 2014
- Studying hallucinations within the NIMH RDoC framework. Schizophrenia Bulletin July 2014
and 10 more in the library