Which of the following is a key symptom of auditory hallucinations in postpartum psychosis?

Auditory hallucinations are characterized by the experience of hearing voices or sounds that are not present in the external environment. In the context of postpartum psychosis, experiencing commanding voices is a significant symptom that can profoundly affect a person's mental state and behavior. These voices may instruct the individual to perform certain actions, which can lead to a range of outcomes, from distress to potentially harmful behaviors.

This symptom can be especially alarming and disruptive in the context of perinatal mental health, as it directly impacts the individual's ability to care for themselves and their newborn. The presence of commanding voices can also indicate a severe level of distress or disruption in thought processes, which is central to the experience of postpartum psychosis.

In contrast, while repetitive thoughts may be present in different mental health conditions, they do not specifically denote auditory hallucinations. Visual imagery can relate to visual hallucinations rather than auditory ones, and intense fear, while potentially part of the broader experience in psychosis, does not specifically characterize the nature of auditory hallucinations. Thus, the identification of commanding voices as a key symptom provides a clear link to the auditory hallucinations associated with postpartum psychosis.