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.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Cited by 8
- The phenomenological nature of schizophrenia and disorder of selfhood. Schizophrenia Research August 1, 2024
- Poor insight and self-disorders in schizophrenia: an empirical study. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience April 1, 2026
- The trajectory of psychedelic, spiritual, and psychotic experiences: implications for cognitive scientific perspectives on religion Religion, Brain & Behavior July 11, 2024
- Visual and Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Schizophrenia and Their Relation to Self-Disorders. Psychopathology 2026
- From neuronal to mental topography - Neurophenomenology of auditory hallucinations. Translational Psychiatry November 21, 2025
and 3 more in the library
Cites 9
- The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom-up review co-written by experts by experience and academics. World Psychiatry June 1, 2022
- Mysticism and schizophrenia: A phenomenological exploration of the structure of consciousness in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Consciousness and Cognition July 1, 2016
- Double bookkeeping and schizophrenia spectrum: divided unified phenomenal consciousness. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience December 1, 2021
- Disorder of Selfhood in Schizophrenia: A Symptom or a Gestalt? Psychopathology 2022
- Understanding auditory verbal hallucinations: a systematic review of current evidence. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica May 2016
and 4 more in the library