Validation of a self-report questionnaire to assess (severity and characteristics of) auditory hallucinations

Rationale: Interviewing patients about their hallucinations is important, both for therapy and for research. The interview with the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale (AVHRS-I) has been validated. However, a self-report version will be cost-effective by driving back staff costs.

Objective: Aim of the study is to establish the validity of the self-report version of the AVHRS-I (interview), the AVHRS-Q.

Study design: Patients with auditory hallucinations are requested to participate in the study. After being fully informed about the purpose, a consent form is signed. During one visit, patients will complete the self-report questionnaire AVHRS-Q and will be interviewed about their auditory hallucinations with the AVHRS-I. Alternately, patients will first complete the AVHRS-Q or will first be interviewed.

Study population: Patients of the voices outpatient department and of the psychosis department of the University Center for Psychiatry at the University Medical Center Groningen.

Main study parameters/endpoints: The degree in which the scores on AVHRS-Q correspond to those on AVHRS-I.
Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Previous research with the AVHRS-I showed that patients are mostly very delighted to be questioned thoroughly about their voices. A pilot study showed that completion of the AVHRS-Q takes about 7 minutes.

There is no hypothesis. We are comparing the AVHRS-I (interview) with the AVHRS-Q (self-report questionnaire).

One assessment.

During one single visit, patients will complete the self-report questionnaire AVHRS-Q and will be interviewed about their auditory hallucinations with the AVHRS-I. Alternately, either the AVHRS-Q or the AVHRS-I is administered first.