Online self-help for auditory hallucinations in psychotic disorders

Efficacy of an Online-Based Self-Help Intervention for Auditory Hallucinations in Persons With Psychotic Disorders (ECHION)

NA · Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT06186570

This study tests whether an online self-help program that combines mindfulness and metacognitive training can help people with psychotic disorders who hear voices feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany (other)
Locations1 site (Berlin)
Trial IDNCT06186570 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of an online-based self-help intervention designed for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations associated with psychotic disorders. The intervention combines Metacognitive Training and Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy, and participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a waitlist-control group while continuing their standard treatment. The study will assess the efficacy and participant satisfaction through self-reported measures collected before and after the 6-week intervention period, along with qualitative interviews to explore individual experiences with the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who experience auditory hallucinations at least once a week and have stable psychiatric medication.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders affecting cognitive function or those experiencing acute suicidality may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel, accessible therapeutic option for individuals struggling with auditory hallucinations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using online interventions for mental health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* current experience of auditory hallucinations that appear at least once a week (measured over the PSYRATS).
* diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder according to the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual (5th edition) and/or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), code F2x.x. In case of a suspected diagnosis or missing clinical diagnostic, we will apply the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.).
* stable psychiatric medication over at least one month, slight changes of dosage are allowed and will be evaluated by a trained psychiatrist.
* ability to give informed consent.
* willingness and ability to engage in the psychotherapeutic self-help intervention.
* availability of a mobile device and internet access.

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurological disorders that may affect cognitive functioning and condition after severe traumatic brain injury.
* acute suicidality, assessed at the previous screening procedures.
* auditory hallucinations in the context of other primary diagnoses e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder.
* acute substance abuse other than nicotine and prescribed medication.
* current electroconvulsive therapy.
* current inpatient or day-care treatment.

Where this trial is running

Berlin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Psychotic Disorders, psychotic disorders, auditory hallucinations, voices, psychotherapy, self-help

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.