The British Journal of Psychiatry (2010) 196: 41-46. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.109.065953
© 2010 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Prevalence and correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in middle childhood

Agna A. Bartels-Velthuis, MSc, Jack A. Jenner, MD, PhD and Gerard van de Willige, MSc

University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Jim van Os, MD, PhD

Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands and Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK

Durk Wiersma, PhD

University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

Correspondence: Correspondence: Agna A. Bartels-Velthuis, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001 (CC72), 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Email: a.a.bartels{at}med.umcg.nl

Declaration of interest

None.

Background

Hearing voices occurs in middle childhood, but little is known about prevalence, aetiology and immediate consequences.

Aims

To investigate prevalence, developmental risk factors and behavioural correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds.

Method

Auditory vocal hallucinations were assessed with the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale in 3870 children. Prospectively recorded data on pre- and perinatal complications, early development and current problem behaviour were analysed in children with auditory vocal hallucinations and matched controls.

Results

The 1-year prevalence of auditory vocal hallucinations was 9%, with substantial suffering and problem behaviour reported in 15% of those affected. Prevalence was higher in rural areas but auditory vocal hallucinations were more severe and had greater functional impact in the urban environment. There was little evidence for associations with developmental variables.

Conclusions

Auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds are prevalent but mostly of limited functional impact. Nevertheless, there may be continuity with more severe psychotic outcomes given the serious suffering in a subgroup of children and there is evidence for a poorer prognosis in an urban environment.


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The British Journal of Psychiatry, February 1, 2010; 196(2): 168 - 168.
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