THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AVATAR THERAPY FOR REFRACTORY AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Auditory hallucination is one of the positive symptoms of patient with schizophrenia that is often occurred.  Apart from pharmacological therapy, these symptoms can be reduced with non pharmacological treatment such as AVATAR therapy (Audio Visual Assisted Therapy for Refractory Auditory Hallucinations). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of AVATAR therapy for refractory auditory hallucinations to improve quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Articles were searched through Pubmed, Ebsco, Scopus, and Science Direct databases with keywords: patients with schizophrenia, AVATAR Therapy, quality of life. There were seven selected articles.  AVATAR therapy is effective in reducing the frequency, intensity, and distress impact of auditory hallucinations. The study results showed that AVATAR therapy provided significant clinical benefits, including improving patients' quality of life and ability to manage hallucinatory symptoms. Additionally, this therapy is well accepted by patients and shows a high rate of completion of treatment. Overall, AVATAR therapy offers an innovative approach to treating persistent auditory hallucinations, especially in patients who do not respond optimally to conventional treatment. Implementation of this therapy in clinical practice requires further research to optimize its benefits and increase its accessibility.