Training to improve speech competition for patients with auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

The Efficacy of Speech Competition Training on Auditory Hallucination in Schizophrenia

This study is testing whether speech training can help people with schizophrenia who hear voices feel better compared to listening to soothing music.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Shanghai Mental Health Center (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Shanghai)
• Trial ID: NCT05850923 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving speech competition training alongside their medication, and the other receiving soothing music as a placebo. The speech training will occur twice daily for two weeks, focusing on voice-related tasks, while the effects on hallucinations and cognitive performance will be measured. After the initial two weeks, the interventions will switch between the groups to assess the efficacy of each approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and persistent auditory hallucinations despite ongoing antipsychotic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with auditory hallucinations stemming from organic brain diseases or those with other severe mental disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the severity of auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting auditory hallucinations have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia as in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) - 10;
* Aged 18-55 years old;
* Education level over 6 years;
* The score of P3 item in PANSS ≥ 3 points;
* Taking antipsychotics at a therapeutic dose for at least 1 month, and the symptoms of auditory hallucinations have not been significantly improved, and the score of Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale (AHRS) is still greater than 18 points;
* Capable of understanding and singing a written informed consent form, and be able to cooperate in completing intervention training and assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosing other Axis I mental disorders;
* A history of severe neurological disease, brain trauma, major physical disease or history of drug dependence;
* Auditory hallucinations caused by organic brain diseases;
* Patients who cannot cooperate with the completion of training;
* Patients with serious suicidal or self injurious behavior;
* Pregnant and lactating women;
* History of alcohol abuse;
* Intellectual impairment (IQ\<70);
* Patients with hearing impairment.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

• Shanghai Mental Health Center — Shanghai, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Qian Guo, M.D. — Shanghai Mental Health Center
• Study coordinator: Jing Shi, Bachelor

Conditions Auditory Hallucination; Schizophrenia; Intervention