Explaining delusions of control: the comparator model 20 years on

Area of Science:

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Psychopathology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The comparator model for delusions of control has empirical support.
• The original model lacks sophistication and specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an updated, more sophisticated comparator model for delusions of control.
• To outline future research directions for understanding delusions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing empirical studies supporting the comparator model.
• Theoretical analysis of the model's limitations and potential advancements.

Main Results:

• The comparator model needs significant refinement.
• Future models should incorporate dopamine's role.
• The model's explanatory power should extend to positive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The current comparator model is insufficient.
• Further research is needed to explain symptom variability and the origin of thought insertion.