Self-disorders and psychopathology: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Self-disorders, a disintegration of subjectivity, were historically linked to schizophrenia.
• Research on self-disorders declined but was rediscovered as a key feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
• The Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE) scale was developed for systematic assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review empirical studies on self-disorders using the EASE scale or related measures.
• To synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, stability, and predictive value of self-disorders.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of empirical studies.
• Inclusion of studies utilizing the EASE scale or related self-disorder assessment tools.
• Critical discussion of methodological issues in the reviewed literature.

Main Results:

• Self-disorders are significantly more common in schizophrenia spectrum disorders than other mental illnesses.
• Self-disorders are present in individuals at clinical risk for psychosis and show temporal stability.
• Self-disorders predict the future development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and correlate with core psychopathology, social impairment, and suicidality.

Conclusions:

• Self-disorders are a crucial psychopathological feature within the schizophrenia spectrum.
• Further research and clinical attention to self-disorders are warranted.
• Self-disorders may serve as important biomarkers for psychosis risk and illness progression.