Abnormal Space Experiences in Persons With Schizophrenia: An Empirical Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Phenomenology
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Abnormal space experience (ASE) is a recognized but unclassified feature in schizophrenia.
• Previous research relied on anecdotal evidence and limited clinical interactions.
• Understanding ASE is crucial for validating phenomenological accounts and guiding translational research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature and prevalence of ASE in schizophrenia.
• To empirically validate phenomenological descriptions of ASE.
• To explore the relationship between ASE and illness phase (acute vs. chronic).

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 301 individuals with schizophrenia.
• Analysis of clinical files using Consensual Qualitative Research, an inductive method.
• Systematic categorization of reported abnormal space experiences.

Main Results:

• ASEs were reported by 70.1% of patients.
• Five main categories of ASE were identified: strangeness, peripersonal space alterations, quality of things, environmental quality, and perceptive salience.
• ASEs were significantly more frequent in acute (91.9%) compared to chronic (28.15%) schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

• ASE is a relevant and prevalent feature in schizophrenia, particularly during acute phases.
• Findings support and empirically ground historical phenomenological accounts of schizophrenia.
• The study provides a foundation for future translational research into abnormal space experiences.