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Auditory hallucinations in pre-pubertal children

A one-year follow-up, preliminary findings

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Abstract

Background

The aims of this study were to describe the phenomenology of auditory hallucinations in children, to establish links with DSM IV diagnoses and to explore development of the hallucinations over a 12-month period.

Methods

Outpatients aged 5- to 12-year-old were consecutively recruited. They were interviewed using a questionnaire investigating auditory hallucinations. DSM IV diagnoses were determined. Follow-up assessments were performed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results

Ninety children were recruited. Sixteen reported auditory hallucinations. In 53% we observed children’s full recovery from hallucinations within 3 months and all of these suffered from anxiety disorders. In 30% hallucinations persisted over 12 months and all showed conduct disorders at this point in time. None was diagnosed as having schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Our study provides further evidence of the high prevalence of auditory hallucinations in pre-pubertal children presenting to psychiatric clinics. Two different patterns of development were seen. In one group the hallucinations seem unrelated to psychosis although they may be a manifestation of anxiety. In the second, much smaller, persistence of hallucinations appeared linked to conduct disorders.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Professor Philip Graham for assistance in preparing this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent Fondation LENVAL, 57, avenue de la Californie, 06200, Nice, France

    Florence L. Askenazy MD, PhD, Anne Meynadier MD, Emmanuelle Dor MD & Martine Myquel MD

  2. Clinique Dupré, Fondation de France, 30 avenue du Président F. Roosvelt, 92330, Sceaux, France

    Karine Lestideau MD

  3. INSERM U 302, Hôpital de la Salpétrière, 47 Boulevard de L’hôpital, 750013, Paris, France

    Yves Lecrubier PD, PhD

Authors
  1. Florence L. Askenazy MD, PhD
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  2. Karine Lestideau MD
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  3. Anne Meynadier MD
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  4. Emmanuelle Dor MD
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  5. Martine Myquel MD
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  6. Yves Lecrubier PD, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Florence L. Askenazy MD, PhD.

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Askenazy, F.L., Lestideau, K., Meynadier, A. et al. Auditory hallucinations in pre-pubertal children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 16, 411–415 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0577-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-006-0577-9

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