THE USE OF MASKS IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS

Aim. The aim of this article is to describe a useful therapeutic approach in a patient with chronic auditory hallucinations resistant to a previous drug treatment and other forms of treatment available in the community therapeutic programme. Person and method. The patient, a 28-year-old man, resident of a big city, treated psychiatrically from the age of 16, from the age of 20 diagnosed with psychotic disorders. A significant role in his illness history was played by severe, persistent auditory hallucinations associated with the illness for years, causing considerable suffering and acute problems in social functioning. Previous pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic drugs, full and part-time hospitalisation, individual outpatient treatment and participation in group therapy did not produce symptom remission. Results. After a therapeutic intervention using a mask made by the patient which was a modification of the Avatar therapy described by Julian Leff, a significant improvement of the patient's condition was obtained: a dramatic reduction of auditory hallucinations and their severity and a marked improvement in social functioning. Conclusions. Cognitive therapy with the use of a mask is a useful method in the treatment of patients with chronic auditory hallucinations, also for those who have experienced trauma. Low cost of this type of intervention compared with the Avatar therapy is an additional advantage.