Integrating dynamical systems theory and phenomenology to enhance early identification and treatment of psychotic disorders.
Jasper Feyaerts, Pavan S Brar, Louis Sass, Barnaby Nelson
The Lancet Psychiatry March 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(25)00244-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that integrating dynamical systems theory with the phenomenological self-disturbance model can specify causal processes in psychosis to improve prediction and early personalized intervention. |
Abstract
In the past three decades, psychiatric research has increasingly focused on the early subthreshold stages of psychosis, with the aim of improving the early identification and treatment of individuals at increased risk of psychotic disorder. Yet, despite considerable research effort, current early psychosis research faces several limitations. In this Personal View, we consider how integrating principles and insights from dynamical systems theory and the phenomenological self-disturbance model of schizophrenia can enhance understanding and prediction of psychosis (on both an individual and group level). We argue that this integration allows the specification of causal processes-ie, distinctive alterations of self-awareness and reality-awareness-whose dynamics can be modelled in dynamical systems terms to anticipate future onset and recurrence of psychotic episodes. We consider how insights afforded by this approach could help to improve early personalised and targeted therapeutic intervention. Empirical hypotheses emerging from this model require testing through intensive longitudinal designs and assessment approaches informed by phenomenological research. To conclude, we discuss theoretical and methodological challenges related to the implementation of our proposal.
Comparable studies
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| Psychosis as a state of aberrant salience: a framework linking biology, phenomenology, and pharmacology in schizophrenia. | 2003 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From dopamine to salience to psychosis--linking biology, pharmacology and phenomenology of psychosis. | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How do the brain's time and space mediate consciousness and its different dimensions? Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC). | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 15
- The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom-up review co-written by experts by experience and academics. World Psychiatry June 1, 2022
- Self‐experience in the early phases of schizophrenia: 5‐year follow‐up of the Copenhagen Prodromal Study World Psychiatry October 1, 2011
- The Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Consciousness Oxford University Press eBooks July 9, 2020
- Schizophrenia and the Scaffolded Self Topoi March 8, 2018
- From Self-Disorders to Ego Disorders Psychopathology 2015
and 10 more in the library