The form and content of schizophrenic hallucinations

To evaluate changes in the hallucinatory experience, the author analyzed the form and content of the hallucinations of 10 schizophrenic patients during two phases of their illness, the acute phase and remission. In both test periods the patients experienced auditory hallucinations as objectively real and as directing their thoughts and behavior. Nonauditory hallucinations appeared more common than cursory examination would suggest. The patients were able to stop auditory hallucinations during remission but not during the acute phase of their illness. Hallucinatory content was threatening and isolating during the acute phase but supportive and socially focused during remissions.