28.2 DISORDERS OF THE EMBODIED SELF IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: AT THE CROSSROAD BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY. (1st April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raballo, Andrea; Poletti, Michele
• Is Part Of: Schizophrenia bulletin. Volume 44(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S46
• Page End: S46
• Publication Date: 2018-04-01
• Subjects: Schizophrenia -- Periodicals; Schizophrenia -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.898005
• DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby014.117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0586-7614

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Basic disorders of the embodied self (BDES) encompass a cloud of related clinical constructs (e.g. cenesthesias, distortions of somato-psychic unity, anomalous bodily experiences in a broad sense) that are immanently related to a profound transformation of subjectivity and with the developmental modulation of bodily awareness. They have been historically ascribed a potential role in the emergence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, the clinical-phenomenological level of description has been only marginally integrated with novel insights from developmental psychopathology and neurosciences. ​ Methods: We conducted a conceptual literature review based on clinical analysis and heuristic synthesis. Results: Despite often occurring in prodromal/clinical at-risk states, as well as in full blown schizophrenia spectrum conditions (where BDES play a pivotal psychopathogenetic role in the genesis of productive symptoms), they are relatively neglected both in research and in routine clinical examination. Furthermore, BDES also discriminate non help-seeking genetic high risk subjects from normal controls. Discussion: Within the superordinate construct of Self-disorders, BDES are a potentially relevant dimensional phenotype for the characterization of broad Schizophrenia Spectrum vulnerability. Their contextualization within a developmental and neurophysiological perspective could further amplify their value for etio-pathogenetic research. ​