Objective: To test feasibility and effectiveness of multi-family treatment (MFT) for patients with persistent auditory hallucinations.
Method: A naturalistic pilot study with 6-month follow-up of 12 patients and 10 relatives. Pre- and post-treatment assessment concerned compliance, satisfaction, subjective burden, and control of voices, psychopathology, quality of life, social functioning and burden on the family.
Results: Significant improvements were found in all domains. Compliance and satisfaction with treatment were satisfactory. Self-help contacts outside treatment sessions increased over time.
Conclusion: MFT may be considered a potentially effective form of additional treatment for refractory voice hearers.