Speech processing in voice-hearers: Bridging the gap between empirical research and clinical implications. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richards, Sophie E; Carruthers, Sean P; Castle, David J; Rossell, Susan L
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry. Volume 57:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 322
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Auditory verbal hallucination -- external speech -- listening -- functional neuroimaging -- schizophrenia -- schizoaffective disorder -- subverbal communication -- verbal communication -- voice-hearing; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Australia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/00048674211068392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8674

Abstract

Individuals who hear voices (i.e. auditory verbal hallucinations) have been reported to exhibit a range of difficulties when listening to and processing the speech of other people. These speech processing challenges are observed even in the absence of hearing voices; however, some appear to be exacerbated during periods of acute symptomology. In this advisory piece, key findings from pertinent empirical research into external speech processing in voice-hearers are presented with the intention of informing healthcare professionals. It is the view that through a better understanding of the speech processing deficits faced by individuals who hear voices, more effective communication with such patients can be had.