Altered State and Phenomenology of Consciousness in Schizophrenia

Abstract

The present study sought: 1) to determine whether schizophrenia represents an altered state of consciousness; and 2) to identify the unique phenomenology of the psychotic state using a multidimensional, quantitative assessment system. Fourteen schizophrenic patients, 19 psychiatric non-psychotic patients, and 29 undergraduate students completed the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory, that assesses 10 major and 14 associated minor dimensions of consciousness. As hypothesized, compared to the ordinary state of consciousness the psychotic experience was found to represent an altered state associated, however, only with the differential organization of the putative minor components of consciousness. In addition, the psychiatric non-psychotic state was also found to represent an altered state, compared to ordinary consciousness, that was specifically associated with the major components of consciousness. The phenomenology of the psychotic experience was characterized by expected differences relative to the ordinary state, involving more altered awareness and experience (perceptual changes and unusual meanings), greater negative affect (anger, sadness, fear), and diminished volitional control and rationality, as well as greater arousal and decreased attention. The phenomenology of the psychiatric non-psychotic state proved highly similar to that of psychosis. Results highlight the importance of multidimensional mapping in studying the functioning of consciousness in schizophrenia and of controlling for other pathologies.