Bodily Self-Disturbances and Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) in schizophrenia are often viewed as perceptual disturbances.
• These experiences are also deeply connected to profound self-disturbances, particularly affecting the sense of bodily self.
• Hallucinations can be perceived as body invasions or as boundary markers between self and others.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review disorders of the bodily self in schizophrenia.
• To delineate the link between bodily self-disturbances and AVHs.
• To explore the complex relationship between self-disturbances and hallucinations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and findings.
• Analysis of data from the International Consortium on Hallucination Research (ICHR) working group.
• Synthesis of evidence on sensory processing and self-perception in schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• Schizophrenia involves disturbances in peripersonal space, interoception, timing, and the vestibular system.
• These bodily self-disturbances show reciprocal influences with hallucinations.
• Evidence suggests hallucinations may contribute to self-disturbances and, paradoxically, sometimes restore self-other boundaries.

Conclusions:

• Schizophrenia is characterized by multiple sensory disturbances impacting the bodily self.
• The interaction between these disturbances and hallucinations is complex and requires further investigation.
• Future research should focus on causal and bidirectional relationships, informing personalized therapeutic approaches.