Theta-burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: A comparative analysis of observer-rated and self-report measures

Abstract

Introduction: Many studies use both observer-rated and self-report measurements in the investigation of auditory hallucination severity. However, certain studies indicate that this might not always show similar results. Therefore, in this study, a comparison was made between the PANSS as observer-rating, and the AHAS and PSYRATS-AH as self-report scales. Methods: Data were collected from a current study at the UMC Utrecht on TB-TMS as a treatment for auditory hallucinations. Participants (N = 38) suffered from psychotic disorders and experienced frequent auditory hallucinations. Pearson’s correlations, analyses of variance, and McNemar’s chi square tests were performed to compare the scores on the three rating scales. Results: Results showed that the PANSS and AHAS were strongly related, as were the AHAS and PSYRATS-AH. Correlations between the PANSS and PSYRATS-AH were weaker, yet significant. Significant differences in mean scores were found between the rating scales. There were no differences between the rating scales in the number of participants they classified as responders to treatment, but the raw data did show differences in which participants were classified as responders.

Conclusion: No definite conclusions can be drawn, but this study does indicate that when using observer-rated and self-report measures combined, it should be taken into consideration that they may show different results.