Phenomenology and the Role of Selfhood Disorders
Naveen Ks
Journal of Pharma Insights and Research August 4, 2024 DOI: 10.69613/b0rd2423 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that disorders of selfhood are pivotal in shaping the characteristic "Gestalt" of schizophrenia, and that instability in self-representation underlies features such as "double bookkeeping," hallucinations, and delusions. Contends that self-disorders carry diagnostic significance, illustrated through a recounted patient encounter. |
Abstract
Schizophrenia remains challenging to fully comprehend due to insufficient attention to its characteristic overall pattern, or "Gestalt," which defines its psychopathological structure. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric condition influenced by diverse genetic and neurobiological factors impacting early brain development. It manifests through psychotic symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, disorganization, and cognitive impairments. Although gross brain pathology is absent, subtle pathological changes occur in specific neural cell populations and their communication. Neuroimaging reveals functional abnormalities in information processing among both first-episode and chronic patients. While pharmacological treatments can alleviate psychotic symptoms, they often do not significantly enhance social, cognitive, or occupational functioning. Psychosocial interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, and supported education and employment programs offer value but are inconsistently applied. Early identification and preventive strategies are crucial due to the disorder's early onset and varying prevalence influenced by urbanization and immigration patterns. This article argues that disorders of selfhood are pivotal in shaping this Gestalt. Initially, it provides a phenomenological exploration of the self, followed by an examination of common complaints in schizophrenia that reflect disturbances in self-perception, often tracing back to childhood experiences. The characteristic features of schizophrenic psychosis, such as "double bookkeeping," hallucinations, and delusions, are then discussed in relation to their association with instability in self-representation. The article briefly recounts an encounter with a schizophrenia patient, highlighting the diagnostic significance of self-disorders
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
Cites 14
- Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity in Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology March 29, 2012
- Self-disturbance and schizophrenia: structure, specificity, pathogenesis (Current issues, New directions). Schizophrenia Research 2014
- Self, Solipsism, and Schizophrenic Delusions Philosophy, psychiatry & psychology June 1, 2001
- Schizophrenia and the Scaffolded Self Topoi March 8, 2018
- Self-disorders and schizophrenia: a phenomenological reappraisal of poor insight and noncompliance. Schizophrenia Bulletin June 24, 2013
and 9 more in the library