This discussion centers on the phenomenon of derealization in individuals with schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), exploring the complexities of brain function and perception of reality. Participants reference an NIH article and a Mayo Clinic resource that describe symptoms and causes of depersonalization and derealization. The conversation highlights skepticism regarding the ability to pinpoint specific brain regions responsible for "awareness of reality," with some contributors questioning the validity of fMRI studies and blood tests in this context. The discussion concludes with thoughts on how varying cognitive conditions, such as genius and autism, may influence one's connection to external reality.
PREREQUISITESMental health professionals, neuroscientists, psychology students, and individuals interested in the complexities of perception and reality in relation to mental health disorders.
Where?LightningInAJar said:I have read
No it was an NIH article. I realize DID is quite rare and many think it's a false diagnosis, but the idea of how the brain accepts things as real outside of itself is very interesting to me.Vanadium 50 said:Where?
I hope it isn't "I know a guy who knows a guy".
I'm a solipsist. Why are you bothering me.LightningInAJar said:how the brain accepts things as real outside of itself
Well certain conditions make things seem less real, some drug use makes people think things are "realer than real." There must be blood tests and fmri data on people in these conditions to show evidence as to a cause?hutchphd said:I'm a solipsist. Why are you bothering me.
But seriously.
Do you really think we are anywhere close to asigning a brain locus to "awareness of reality" ?
Do you imagine how connected a person feels to the world is reflected in how functional they are? Perhaps geniuses feel particularly connected to external reality? Meanwhile autistic people might have trouble breaking through? I know genius and autistic brains have been scanned with one imaging type or another.hutchphd said:I'm quite certain that fMRI could be made to show anything you want it to show. (It is junk science IMHO). What "blood tests" can you administer to ascertain "realer than real"? I do not think we can get there from here.