Towards a Neurophenomenological Understanding of Self-Disorder in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Anatomical, Physiological, and Neurocognitive Findings

The concept of anomalous self-experience, also termed Self-Disorder, has attracted both clinical and research interest, as empirical studies suggest such experiences specifically aggregate in and are a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A comprehensive neurophenomenological understanding of Self-Disorder may improve diagnostic and therapeutic practice. This systematic review aims to evaluate anatomical, physiological, and neurocognitive correlates of Self-Disorder (SD), considered a core feature of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs), towards developing a neurophenomenological understanding. A search of the PubMed database retrieved 285 articles, which were evaluated for inclusion using PRISMA guidelines. Non-experimental studies, studies with no validated measure of Self-Disorder, or those with no physiological variable were excluded. In total, 21 articles were included in the review. Findings may be interpreted in the context of triple-network theory and support a core dysfunction of signal integration within two anatomical components of the Salience Network (SN), the anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which may mediate connectivity across both the Default Mode Network (DMN) and Fronto-Parietal Network (FPN). We propose a theoretical Triple-Network Model of Self-Disorder characterized by increased connectivity between the Salience Network (SN) and the DMN, increased connectivity between the SN and FPN, decreased connectivity between the DMN and FPN, and increased connectivity within both the DMN and FPN. We go on to describe translational opportunities for clinical practice and provide suggestions for future research.