Self-disorder explained: Yasunaga's "Phantom Space Theory" on schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Revisiting Hiroshi Yasunaga's theoretical model of schizophrenia.
• Ego disturbance in schizophrenia conceptualized as "Pattern Reversal" between selfhood and otherness.
• Wauchope's concept of "pattern" as asymmetrical relatedness (A/B) prioritizing the A-side.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine Yasunaga's theoretical model of schizophrenia.
• To explore the clinical and theoretical implications of Phantom Space Theory.
• To investigate the relationship between Phantom Space Theory and dual-process theory.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Yasunaga's theoretical framework.
• Application of "pattern" concept to self-other relatedness.
• Development of the Phantom Space Theory with systems a and a'.

Main Results:

• Phantom Space Theory posits an experiential space with two systems (a and a') influencing perceived distance.
• Hypothesized imbalance (Phantom Space shrinkage or diminished elasticity of system a') links to schizophrenia symptoms.
• The theory offers a non-stigmatizing account of psychosis, avoiding personal or existential causes.

Conclusions:

• Yasunaga's Phantom Space Theory provides a novel neural system model for understanding self and external world experiences.
• The theory offers a framework for explaining schizophrenia symptoms, including ego disturbances and hallucinations.
• Phantom Space Theory presents a potentially valuable, non-stigmatizing perspective on psychosis and its relationship to dual-process theories.