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Visual Hallucinations in Older People: Appraisals but not Content or Phenomenology Influence Distress

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 November 2015

Stephanie Lai ,
Vicki Bruce  and
Daniel Collerton
Stephanie Lai*
Affiliation:
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Vicki Bruce
Affiliation:
Newcastle University, UK
Daniel Collerton
Affiliation:
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, UK
*
Reprint requests to Stephanie Lai, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle North East Community Treatment Team, Molineux Street NHS Centre, Molineux Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1SG, UK. E-mail: stephanie.lai@ntw.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Background: A previous study (Gauntlett-Gilbert and Kuipers, 2005) has suggested that distress associated with complex visual hallucinations (CVHs) in younger adults with psychosis may more strongly relate to appraisals of meaning than to the content of the hallucination. However, visual hallucinations are most commonly seen in the disorders of later life, where this relationship has not been investigated. Aim: To establish if there is a relationship between appraisals of CVHs and distress in older, non-psychotic people with CVHs. Method: All variables were measured using a semi-structured interview and were compared between a high distress group (n = 16) and a low distress group (n = 19). Results: The high distress group rated their hallucinations as more malevolent and omnipotent, with greater negative implications for physical and mental health. There was no significant difference between groups on ratings of hallucination content (independently rated), frequency, awareness or control. Conclusion: Appraisals of CVHs are linked to distress.

Keywords

Appraisalvisual hallucinationCharles Bonnetpsychosisdistressolder people
Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 44 , Issue 6 , November 2016 , pp. 705 - 710
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2015 

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