Schizophrenia: Hearing Voices and How to Manage Them

If you have schizophrenia and hear voices, know that it's not uncommon for people with the condition. Up to 80% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia have this symptom too. These voices can be distressing and can affect your quality of life, but there are ways to manage and reduce their intensity.

Hearing voices can be distracting and stressful, making it hard to focus on daily tasks. In severe cases, it may trigger thoughts of suicide or violence. While the voices may go away for some, for many, they never completely fade. But it's possible to take back some control in your day-to-day life.

Medications can help manage the symptoms of hearing voices. Antipsychotic drugs are commonly prescribed and can help lessen the urge to interact with voices and makes them less frightening and intrusive. It’s important to give your medication time to do its job.

CBT helps lessen the anxiety you have over the voices you hear. You work with a therapist to change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

Avatar therapy uses computer technology to create an avatar of the voices you hear. Interacting with these avatars can help you gain control over the voices and reduce their impact on your life. This innovative therapy has shown promising results.

rTMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Studies have shown that rTMS can reduce the frequency and intensity of voices, offering another option for those who struggle with this symptom.

Joining a support group can provide a sense of community, understanding, and emotional support. Sharing experiences with others who hear voices can be comforting and offer new coping strategies.

Several self-help techniques can help manage hearing voices. Finding distractions, talking out loud, keeping a diary, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and practicing relaxation techniques can all be beneficial. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.