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Objectives: This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of using research as the basis of a therapeutic group intervention for hearing voices/auditory hallucinations. Methods: Using a Participatory Action Research methodology, seven male current or previous residents of a low secure hospital participated in the study. Participants independently conducted research on ideas that were generated and operationalised by the group, on a weekly basis over a seven-month period. Participants focused on developing a new 'easy to complete' recovery/resilience measure. The group also themselves developed a qualitative interview schedule, and participated in interviews at the conclusion of the intervention period. In addition to the four participants who engaged throughout the intervention period and contributed towards the analysis of transcripts, three other participant's (two who disengaged on moving to a new area and one who consented to participate but never attended) took part in post-intervention interviews. Results: The study demonstrated preliminary evidence supporting the utility of a 'Therapeutic Research Group' intervention for people who experience distressing voices. In addition to feedback about the positive impact participating in the group had on well-being, participants offered advice on overcoming barriers and increasing the popularity of therapeutic interventions. Participants also developed a new recovery/resilience measure (the M-PART) whose preliminary face validity appears positive. Discussion: Mental health service users/survivors can independently make important contributions to advancing knowledge and improving services. Further research examining whether 'the conducting of research' could form the basis of a therapeutic intervention is warranted. Empirical testing of the M-PART measure is also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bile-acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a recognized cause of chronic diarrhoea; however, its detection remains suboptimal. Currently, there is a paucity of follow-up studies evaluating BAD. This work evaluates the natural history of BAD by examining individuals diagnosed with BAD [7 days of Se-homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) retention<10%] and determining the use of and response to bile-acid sequestrants (BAS)., Materials and Methods: Of the 515 patients, 40% (207/515) who underwent an SeHCAT test at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (2001-2012) for chronic diarrhoea had BAD. Of the 207 (51%) patients, 107 were diagnosed between 2001 and 2009. In accordance with the guidelines, all of these patients were commenced on BAS. In March 2013, these individuals were reassessed either in the clinic or over the telephone as part of a local service evaluation project. Comparisons were made of both pretreatment and post-treatment variables using a Wilcoxon rank test., Results: Of the 107 patients, 54% (58/107) were followed up, with a median time since diagnosis of 6 years. Among them, 38% were still using BAS at follow-up, with 28% using alternative antidiarrhoeals. The median stool frequency decreased from seven stools per day to three (P=0.0008) in those using BAS. The 34% of patients not receiving treatment had no change in their daily bowel frequency. The main reason for discontinuing treatment was poor tolerability of the BAS (colestyramine/colestipol)., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that BAD is a chronic condition that best improves with BAS. Consideration should be given to therapeutic options that have a better tolerability profile.