While the connection between anxiety and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia isn't fully understood, Lesley McCuaig found that managing her anxiety – alongside her prescribed treatment for psychosis – helped reduce the volume and intensity of the voices she heard.

It's rarely mentioned if, and how much, anxiety can change the volume and intensity of auditory hallucinations.

To be fair, I didn't really consider this concept until I stumbled on it by accident. I'd been struggling with insomnia and the intensity of the voices I hear. To help the insomnia, my medical team prescribed a treatment that can also be used in conjunction with anxiety.

Within a very short time, the volume and intensity of my auditory hallucinations had shifted considerably.

In fact, my change in behavior was so significant that my friends, family, and even some of my medical team, were (pleasantly) surprised.

I feel like a new woman, ready to take on new opportunities and challenges.

The only person who didn’t seem surprised was my seasoned counseling therapist.

There isn’t much written about the connection between anxiety and schizophrenia’s auditory hallucinations, so I can understand why a possible link might get overlooked. But I wish I'd known about the possibility 10 years ago.

I hadn’t considered anxiety as being part of the picture

I also came to realize that I live with a great deal of anxiety. While that's unsurprising with hindsight, before I knew it, I'd never suspected it. And anxiety wasn't something I was being treated for.

Looking back, I think I’d simply adapted to feeling anxious most of the time. It was my "norm." When I did notice signs of anxiety, I poured more time into managing my psychosis, hoping that it would help.

However, running on untamed anxiety for years isn't tenable. Not that I knew it then, but it was messing with my basic functions, and things were coming to a head.

So, when I started managing my anxiety, it was like being gifted earplugs after a decade of seeking silence. Combined with my antipsychotic treatment, it had such a noticeable impact.

I started to research this possible link. I found that some severe anxiety disorders can trigger simple auditory hallucinations because the stress response in the brain disrupts normal brain functioning. I also learned that anxiety could even shape the content of hallucinations for the voice-hearer.

While I haven't experienced this “shaping” exactly, I've noticed how much more negative and critical the voices tend to be when anxiety is present.

There is still so much to learn about auditory hallucinations

I've also come to realize how much I don't really understand about auditory hallucinations, despite living with them for so long. How far does the link between them, depression, anxiety, or even traumatic experiences, go?

While auditory hallucinations have been reported in people with anxiety, it's still unclear if anxiety causes the hallucinations or if auditory hallucinations happen in those who also deal with severe anxiety. 

When I started managing my anxiety, it was like being gifted earplugs after a decade of seeking silence.

Currently, there aren't any studies that conclusively prove that anxiety is the cause. While anxiety may increase or intensify hallucinations, the relationship appears to be correlational for now.

But there's some connection, and it's interesting.

I’m finally getting some respite from the voices

Anyway, this accidental revelation has had a significant impact on my relationships, overall functioning, and ability to work. The voices – loud and intense – were there day in, day out, and relentless. Now, though I still have auditory hallucinations, they're quieter and less frequent. They do intensify in the evening, near bedtime, but they're still not at the heightened level they once were.

It has been a delightful respite. Everybody who knows me comments on how well I look now, and how I seem to have "come alive." I must say – it's so much easier to focus, complete household tasks, enjoy social events, and just live my life without hearing constant critical voices all the time.

I feel like a new woman, ready to take on new opportunities and challenges. Ready to take on the world.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01644 OCTOBER 2025