Hearing voices can occur with psychosis, trauma, mood problems, lack of sleep, substances, neurological or physical illness. The experience feels real to the person. Threatening commands, confusion or immediate danger require urgent help.
- One or more voices commenting, talking or giving commands.
- Fear, suspiciousness or feeling followed or controlled.
- Tell a trusted person and healthcare professional what the voices say and whether they give commands.
- Do not use alcohol or drugs to quieten voices.
- Call the same day for new voices, increasing suspiciousness, little sleep or a clear decline in self-care.
- For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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