Study links altered sensory processing in psychosis to spinal cord.
Individuals with psychotic disorders process self-generated sensations differently, affecting their sense of self, a new study finds.
Why it matters
- This study provides insight into the biological underpinnings of self-disturbance in psychosis.
- It shows that altered sensory processing in psychosis extends beyond the brain to the spinal cord.
By the numbers
- Sample size: 35 patients with psychotic disorders and 35 healthy controls.
- Patients showed higher activation in the right superior temporal gyrus during self-touch.
- Patients were less accurate in heartbeat detection tasks.
The big picture
- The study suggests that fundamental sensory processing differences contribute to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions in psychosis.
- These findings could lead to new therapeutic approaches targeting sensory processing disruptions.
What they're saying
- One commenter suggested a malfunctioning sense of interoception or proprioception.
- Another comment mentioned difficulties in distinguishing internal monologue from external voices in psychotic disorders.
Caveats
- Patients were on medication, which could influence sensory processing.
- The study included a mix of different psychotic disorders with relatively low levels of active symptoms.
What’s next
- Future research could examine individuals at earlier stages of the illness or before treatment begins.
- Further investigation into these mechanisms could open new therapeutic avenues.