What does the Characteristics of Auditory Hallucination Questionnaire (CAHQ) evaluate?

The Characteristics of Auditory Hallucination Questionnaire (CAHQ) is designed specifically to assess the frequency and intensity of auditory hallucinations experienced by individuals. It focuses on gathering detailed information about the auditory hallucinations a patient may encounter, such as their occurrence, duration, and the impact on the patient's overall functioning. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these hallucinations can provide valuable insights into the severity of a patient's mental health condition and guide treatment decisions. This makes the evaluation of hallucinations a critical component of psychiatric assessment.

Other options are not aligned with the primary purpose of the CAHQ. While medication side effects may contribute to symptoms experienced by a patient, they are not the focus of this specific questionnaire. Similarly, a patient's physical health and sleep patterns, while important aspects of overall well-being, are not evaluated by the CAHQ. Instead, the questionnaire zeroes in on the characteristics of auditory hallucinations, making it a crucial tool for clinicians in diagnosing and creating treatment plans for conditions such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.