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Understanding the Symptoms of Schizophrenia Using Visual Scan Paths

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Mary L. Phillips*
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London
Anthony S. David
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London
*
Mary Phillips, The Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London SE5 8AZ

Abstract

Background

This paper highlights the role of the visual scan path as a physiological marker of information processing, while investigating positive symptomatology in schizophrenia.

Method

The current literature is reviewed using computer search facilities (Medline).

Results

Schizophrenics either scan or stare extensively, the latter related to negative symptoms. Schizophrenics particularly scan when viewing human faces.

Conclusions

Scan paths in schizophrenics are important when viewing meaningful stimuli such as human faces, because of the relationship between abnormal perception of stimuli and symptomatology in these subjects.

Type
Short papers
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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