Understanding the symptoms of schizophrenia using visual scan paths

Br J Psychiatry. 1994 Nov;165(5):673-5. doi: 10.1192/bjp.165.5.673.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention* / physiology
  • Eye Movements* / physiology
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*