Avatars ease voices for schizophrenia patients

Use of an avatar can help treat patients with schizophrenia who hear voices, a UK study.

Using customised computer software, the patients created avatars to match the voices they had been hearing.

After up to six therapy sessions most patients said their voice had improved. Three said it had stopped entirely.

The study was led by psychiatrist emeritus professor Julian Leff, who spoke to patients through their on-screen avatars in therapy sessions. Gradually he coached patients to stand up to their voices.

 By the end of their treatment, patients reported that they heard the voices less often and that they were less distressed by them. Levels of depression and suicidal go down and people feel better and more safe.