Subclinical psychotic experiences in the general population are
prevalent in both children and adults, and not generally associated
with persistence over time or onset of psychiatric disorder.
Nevertheless, literature reviews suggest that a small number will
make the transition to a clinical psychotic disorder.1,2
In a previous study on a representative sample of 7- and 8-yearold
children in The Netherlands, the prevalence of auditory vocal
hallucinations was 9%.3 Although auditory vocal hallucinations
in these children were mostly of limited functional impact, a
subgroup with serious suffering was considered at risk for more
severe psychotic outcomes.
The current study presents a 5-year follow-up of this sample
(now 12 and 13 years of age) and examines the persistence and
new incidence of auditory vocal hallucinations, as well as their
clinical relevance in terms of problem behaviour, severity and
associations with aetiological variables. In view of the baseline
results and previous work in this area, it was hypothesised that:
(1) severity of auditory vocal hallucinations at baseline would
predict persistence;4–6
(2) auditory vocal hallucinations would show associations with
behavioural problems7–9 and other psychotic symptoms;10
(3) incidence and severity of auditory vocal hallucinations would
be associated with environmental factors such as cannabis
use11–13 and urbanicity;14–16
(4) baseline characteristics of auditory vocal hallucinations
suggesting external attribution and higher level of intrusion
would be predictive of persistence;4–6
(5) auditory vocal hallucinations would be associated negatively
with cognitive ability.17–20