Hawthorn

Researchers are evaluating a new psychological treatment called Avatar Therapy compared to the current best therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for people with psychotic disorders who continue to hear voices (auditory verbal hallucinations, AVHs) despite medication. These persistent and often distressing voices cause significant disability in conditions like schizophrenia, and existing treatments have limited success. This trial aims to clearly determine if Avatar Therapy offers better improvements in reducing the severity of these hallucinations. The study involves two groups receiving seven therapy sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, delivered remotely through videoconferencing. One group participates in Avatar Therapy, where digital avatars recreate the voices they hear to help manage symptoms. The other group receives standard CBT, also delivered remotely. Both treatments are designed to be accessible and supportive for participants with ongoing AVHs. During the study, participants will be assessed for changes in the severity of their auditory hallucinations using a specific rating scale immediately after the 3-month intervention period. Eligibility includes adults diagnosed with schizophrenia-related or mood disorders with psychotic symptoms, currently experiencing distressing voices despite prior antipsychotic treatments. Researchers will monitor treatment effects, safety, and participant engagement over the course of the trial to better understand the therapies’ impact.