Living with Voices

Although many individuals with schizophrenia, and their families, fear the side effects of the medications given as the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, the majority of medical and psychiatric literature suggests that the best treatments for schizophrenia and related disorders are pharmacological interventions. On the other hand, those who advocate for non-pharmacological treatments are a part of a new grassroots movement that puts emphasis on individuals addressing their voices (auditory hallucinations) directly, “as if each voice had intention and agency.” The thought behind this approach is that the voices will eventually fade away. Read the article, “Living with Voices,” to learn more about this radical new approach to treatment.

After reading “Living with Voices” consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.

Question 1

The article draws a comparison between the radical new form of treatment for schizophrenia (addressing the voices directly) to the treatment for what other disorder?

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B.
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D.

Question 2

Hans, a patient with schizophrenia, was initially prescribed what medication the first time he was hospitalized?

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B.
C.
D.

Question 3

Which is the most accepted model of treatment for schizophrenia?

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B.
C.
D.

Question 4

What is one critique of the Hearing Voices approach to schizophrenia treatment?

One possible answer might be that by addressing and communicating with the voices of one’s auditory hallucinations, the voices would remain present. It also may be normalizing a symptom of psychosis that would make it difficult to discern a prognosis for the individual.