What does AVH mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Causes of AVH

AVH can be caused by several factors, including:

• Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder characterized by disorganized thinking, hallucinations, and delusions.
• Bipolar disorder: A mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
• Other psychotic disorders: Such as schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder.
• Substance use: Hallucinogens like LSD or PCP can induce AVH.
• Brain injuries: Trauma to the brain can damage auditory pathways, leading to hallucinations.
• Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can disrupt brain activity and trigger AVH.

Symptoms of AVH

Individuals with AVH typically experience:

• Hearing voices or sounds that others do not hear.
• The voices may be familiar or unfamiliar, and they can vary in content and tone.
• The voices may comment on the individual's thoughts, actions, or past experiences.
• The voices may be perceived as coming from inside or outside the head.
• AVH can cause distress, confusion, and social withdrawal.

Diagnosis of AVH

A mental health professional will typically diagnose AVH based on:

• Patient history: Including symptoms, onset, and duration of hallucinations.
• Physical examination: To rule out any underlying medical conditions.
• Psychological evaluation: To assess the individual's mental state and thought processes.

Treatment of AVH

Treatment for AVH typically involves:

• Antipsychotic medications: To reduce the frequency and severity of hallucinations.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): To help individuals manage their hallucinations and develop coping mechanisms.
• Social support: Peer support groups and family therapy can provide emotional support and reduce isolation.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular sleep, exercise, and stress management can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of AVH.