Phenomenology of auditory verbal hallucination in schizophrenia: An erroneous perception or something else?
Josef Parnas, Janne-Elin Yttri, Annick Urfer-Parnas
Schizophrenia Research March 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.045 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Auditory verbal hallucination Double bookkeeping Perception Schizophrenia |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key points | Argues that auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia are not well described by the standard definition of hallucinations as perceptions without an object, and instead should be understood as products of self-fragmentation linked to self-disorders. |
Abstract
This study presents phenomenological features of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia and associated anomalies of experience. The purpose is to compare the lived experience of AVH to the official definition of hallucinations as a perception without object. Furthermore, we wish to explore the clinical and research implication of the phenomenological approach to AVH. Our exposition is based on classic texts on AVH, recent phenomenological studies and our clinical experience. AVH differ on several dimensions from ordinary perception. Only a minority of schizophrenia patients experiences AVH localized externally. Thus, the official definition of hallucinations does not fit the AVH in schizophrenia. AVH are associated with several anomalies of subjective experiences (self-disorders) and the AVH must be considered as a product of self-fragmentation. We discuss the implications with respect to the definition of hallucination, clinical interview, conceptualization of a psychotic state and potential target of pathogenetic research.