Voice hearing in schools
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Support for young people who are distressed by hearing voices: Preliminary evaluation of a psychological intervention package for delivery through Mental Health Support Teams within secondary schools (the ECHOES study)
IRAS ID
321846
Contact name
Mark Hayward
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
The experience of hearing voices occurs when an auditory experience is present in the absence of the corresponding sensory input. This is a common experience for young people, with prevalence rates estimated at 12%. The voices can be experienced as very critical, domineering and disruptive, and have many negative
impacts on young people. There are no evidence-based psychological interventions for the treatment of distressing voices in young people. A focus upon coping strategies has been suggested as a useful approach for intervention.This study will evaluate an intervention package focused upon coping strategies that has the potential to benefit both the young person and the people who support them. Separate elements of this intervention package have been piloted within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). As adolescence provides a crucial
window of opportunity for early intervention to prevent suffering and disability and improve life trajectories, the intervention package will be offered and evaluated within schools to maximize accessibility.The study will address the following questions in relation to the intervention package as it is tested and refined on a small scale:
• Is it acceptable to young people, those who support them, and staff and practitioners within secondary schools?
• What is the optimum content, structure and duration?
• Is delivery feasible for the practitioners and what are their requirements for training and supervision?
• What tools can be used to evaluate impact?If the findings from the study suggest that a future trial is warranted, a feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial will be designed to establish the parameters for a definitive trial. If the intervention package were found to be efficacious within a definitive trial, implementation within secondary schools would generate benefits for young people (reduced distress), school populations (reduced stigma and greater understanding) and CAMHS (reduced demand).
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0334
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion