Prevalence and correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in middle childhood
Agna A. Bartels‐Velthuis, Jack A. Jenner, G. van de Willige, Jim van Os, Durk Wiersma
The British Journal of Psychiatry December 31, 2009 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.109.065953 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional prevalence study with matched controls Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3,870 |
| Population | 7- and 8-year-old children |
| Duration | 1-year prevalence period |
| Measures | Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale |
| Citations | 105 |
| Key findings | Auditory vocal hallucinations were reported by 9% of 7- and 8-year-olds over one year, with 15% of those affected experiencing substantial suffering and problem behaviour. Prevalence was higher in rural areas, but severity and functional impact were greater in urban environments. The authors found little evidence for associations with developmental variables, and conclude that these hallucinations are mostly of limited functional impact but may show continuity with more severe psychotic outcomes in a subgroup. |
Abstract
Background: Hearing voices occurs in middle childhood, but little is known about prevalence, aetiology and immediate consequences.
Aims: To investigate prevalence, developmental risk factors and behavioural correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds.
Method: Auditory vocal hallucinations were assessed with the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale in 3870 children. Prospectively recorded data on pre- and perinatal complications, early development and current problem behaviour were analysed in children with auditory vocal hallucinations and matched controls.
Results: The 1-year prevalence of auditory vocal hallucinations was 9%, with substantial suffering and problem behaviour reported in 15% of those affected. Prevalence was higher in rural areas but auditory vocal hallucinations were more severe and had greater functional impact in the urban environment. There was little evidence for associations with developmental variables.
Conclusions: Auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds are prevalent but mostly of limited functional impact. Nevertheless, there may be continuity with more severe psychotic outcomes given the serious suffering in a subgroup of children and there is evidence for a poorer prognosis in an urban environment.
Citations in the library
Cited by 10
- Psychotic symptoms in the general population – an evolutionary perspective The British Journal of Psychiatry August 31, 2010
- Course of auditory vocal hallucinations in childhood: 11‐year follow‐up study Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica March 24, 2016
- Rethinking Social Cognition in Light of Psychosis: Reciprocal Implications for Cognition and Psychopathology Clinical Psychological Science February 10, 2017
- Cognitive-Developmental Mechanisms in Hallucinations. Schizophrenia Bulletin October 6, 2025
- Revisiting Alpha Resting State Dynamics Underlying Hallucinatory Vulnerability: Insights from Hidden Semi-Markov Modeling bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) December 12, 2023
and 5 more in the library