University News Last updated 16 June 2014
Do you hear voices that other people cannot hear? Researchers from Birmingham City University are set to embark on a new study and are looking for volunteers from across the City to take part.
The project, led by Professor Mervyn Morris and PhD student Jonathan Gadsby from the University’s Faculty of Health, aims to explore how people who hear voices - or ‘auditory hallucinations’ as doctors call them - understand their experiences and live their day-to-day lives.
“Medical treatment has often had very mixed success, and recent research suggests that many people who hear voices are getting on with their lives without seeking help from mental health services”, explains Jonathan.
“We are going to be talking with some people who are involved with mental health services in Birmingham, but it is crucial that we meet people who are not, who perhaps have never talked to anyone about hearing voices before.”
Although both Jonathan and Mervyn have backgrounds in nursing, they are keen to stress that this is not medical research.
“No one is going to describe you as ‘ill’ or worse still, ‘mad,” said Jonathan. “In fact, from our point of view, you are the expert. The research will involve sitting down with a friendly and experienced researcher and telling stories about your life and emotions. It is not a test. You will get a chance not only to tell your stories, but to help us think about other peoples’ stories too and it is completely confidential.’
For more information about the research or to take part please email jonathan.gadsby@mail.bcu.ac.uk or call 0121 331 7151 (Wednesday to Friday only).