Schizophrenia, the sense of 'self' and the right cerebral hemisphere.
Schizophrenia is described in phenomenological theory as an illness with various degrees of 'self disintegration' and/or 'disembodiment' experiences. Cognitive neuroscience and neurology had identified specific brain structures, all in the right cerebral hemisphere, that are crucial for the generation of a normal 'sense of self' and self-corporeal-awareness. Behavioral and neuroanatomical evidence also suggest various deficits in the right hemisphere of schizophrenics. A hypothesis is put forth here for a strong linkage and correlation between the specific brain constructs involved in self/corporeal-awareness and the schizophrenic symptoms manifesting the disintegration of the 'self'.
Hecht
David
D
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR, UK. DavidH.Research@gmail.com
D001364:Awareness; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D054022:Cerebrum / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009488:Neurosciences; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept