The elimination of hallucinatory and delusional behavior by verbal conditioning and assertive training: A case study

Abstract A 20-yr-old male diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic had auditory and visual hallucinations and a very rigid religious delusional system. For the auditory hallucinations, verbal conditioning was used to eliminate his talk of “voices”. At the same time, assertive training was given. The visual hallucinations proved to be strictly manipulative, being consciously used to remove the patient from conflict situations. As he became more assertive these hallucinations disappeared. The delusional system, which was also functional in removing him from conflict, responded to verbal conditioning and assertive training. After 2 months of treatment the hallucinations and delusions ceased to be reported or observed. The patient has had no recurrence of psychotic symptoms for 2 1 2 yr.