The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Auditory Hallucinations in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, which can seriously impact patients' quality of life and social functioning. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to manage these symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT on auditory hallucinations, self-management abilities, and mindfulness levels in patients with schizophrenia. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 75 stable inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and experiencing auditory hallucinations. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (treatment as usual, TAU, n = 37) or an experimental group receiving MBCT in addition to TAU (n = 38). The intervention consisted of eight weekly sessions of MBCT. Outcome measures, including the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale - Auditory Hallucinations (PSYRATS-AH), the Schizophrenia Self-Management Scale (SSMIS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Results The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of auditory hallucinations (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the experimental group showed substantial improvements in self-management abilities (P < 0.001) and mindfulness levels (P = 0.025) following the intervention. The study indicates that MBCT effectively enhances patients' ability to manage auditory hallucinations, improves overall self-management, and increases mindfulness levels. Conclusion For the management of auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia, MBCT is a viable supplementary treatment. It not only reduces the severity of these symptoms but also enhances self-management capabilities and mindfulness levels, contributing to better overall outcomes. Incorporating MBCT into standard care practices could offer a valuable, non-pharmacological option for clinicians in psychiatric settings. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400088029. Date of registration: 09/08/2024.