Behavioral management of chronic hallucinations and delusions following right middle cerebral artery stroke

Author(s): Anderson, S. W.

Journal/Book: Psychotherapy. 1998; 35: 3900 E Camelback Rd #200, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA. Amer Psychological Assoc, Div Psychotherapy. 464-471.

Abstract: Late-onset hallucinations and delusions related to neurological disorders may be refractory to pharmacological treatment, but supplementary behavioral interventions have not been specified. Described here is the development of a brief psychotherapeutic intervention to augment pharmacological management in the treatment of hallucinations with delusional interpretation following stroke. The intervention was developed based on substantial evidence of the efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatment of medication-resistant hallucinations in schizophrenic patients. Treatment involves cognitive restructuring via education of the patient and family members about the nature of the symptomatology and training in a number of simple behavioral compensatory strategies designed to minimize the impact of the symptoms on daily activities. Follow-up evaluations over a 20-month interval indicated that the intervention may provide an efficacious supplement to pharmacological treatment of hallucinations and delusions following stroke.

Note: Article Suhr JA, Ohio Univ, Dept Psychol, Coll Med, Athens,OH 45701 USA

Keyword(s): AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS; MUSICAL HALLUCINATIONS; VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS; INFARCTION; PSYCHOSIS; ILLUSION

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