Disorder of Basic Selfhood in the Schizophrenia Spectrum: A Novel Phenotype.
Josef Parnas, Karl Erik Sandsten
Psychiatric Clinics of North America March 19, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2026.01.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Measures | Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience |
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Phenomenological psychopathology Schizophrenia Self-disorders |
| Key points | Argues that schizophrenia is a disorder of subjectivity centered on disturbances of the basic self, and that anomalous self-experiences are a core, defining feature of the schizophrenia spectrum. Proposes that disruptions in self-presence, embodiment, and self-world demarcation produce characteristic clinical phenomena, and suggests that DSM-based psychiatry's neglect of these structures harms clinical work and research. |
Abstract
This article conceptualizes schizophrenia as a disorder of subjectivity centered on disturbances of basic self. Drawing on phenomenological resources, clinical work and clinical research, it argues that anomalous self-experiences is a core and defining feature of the schizophrenia spectrum. Using the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience, the article demonstrates how disruptions in core aspects of selfhood such as the sense of self-presence, embodiment, and self-world demarcation, generate characteristic clinical phenomena. We suggest that the mainstream Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-based psychiatry neglects the structures of subjectivity with negative consequences for clinical work and research.