The phenomenological nature of schizophrenia and disorder of selfhood
Year: 2024
Type: review
Abstract: Schizophrenia continues its resistance to the pathogenetic understanding. We believe that one of the reasons is an oblivion of schizophrenia's characteristic Gestalt expressive of its psychopathological structure. In this article we argue for a crucial role of disorders of selfhood in the constitution of this Gestalt. First, we present a phenomenological account of the self. This is followed by an exposition of basic complaints in schizophrenia which are reflective of a disordered selfhood and which often date back to childhood. We then present characteristic features of the schizophrenic psychosis with its phenomenon of "double bookkeeping". Hallucinations, delusions and double bookkeeping are all associated with the instability of the self. Finally, we briefly address characteristic aspects of the encounter with a schizophrenia patient and argue that self-disorders play an important diagnostic role. We conclude by emphasizing the role of phenomenology in psychiatric research.
Source: Schizophrenia Research
Authors: Josef Parnas, Karl Erik Sandsten
Language: English
Topic: Mental Health and Psychiatry
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
OpenAlex ID: W4399992399