What's happened
A new digital therapy using animated avatars has shown promise in reducing the frequency and distress of voices experienced by individuals with psychosis. Research from King's College London indicates significant improvements in patients' mental health following the therapy, which involves guided sessions with a digital representation of their distressing voice.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the therapy involves creating a digital avatar that represents the distressing voice, allowing patients to engage in conversations with it. Philippa Garety, the study's lead author, emphasized that this is the first intervention with a direct impact on the frequency of voices heard. The Guardian echoed this sentiment, highlighting the therapy's potential to be life-changing for those affected by auditory hallucinations. Both sources noted the positive feedback from participants, such as Nick, who experienced a significant reduction in the number of voices he heard after therapy. The research, published in Nature Medicine, has garnered attention for its innovative approach and effectiveness, with plans for further real-world testing in NHS settings.
How we got here
The therapy, developed by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London, aims to address the challenges faced by individuals who hear distressing voices, often characterized as abusive or bullying. This innovative approach builds on over a decade of research in mental health interventions.
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Nature Medicine is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal publishing research articles, reviews, news and commentaries in the biomedical area, including both basic research and early-phase clinical research covering all aspects of medicine.
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Nice is the seventh most populous urban area in France and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The metropolitan area of Nice extends beyond the administrative city limits, with a population of about 1 million on an area of 721 km².
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The Wellcome Trust is a research-charity based in London, in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1936 with legacies from the pharmaceutical magnate Sir Henry Wellcome to fund research to improve human and animal health.