Phenomenology of Subjective Anomalous Experiences in People with Schizophrenia

Introduction: Current diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia overlook the patient's subjective experience, offering a simplified view. Aim: To describe the subjective anomalies in the personal experience of the "lived world" in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia via the EAWE interview (Examination of Anomalous World Experience). Method: A qualitative study was conducted between January and May 2024. Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, using the thematic axes of the EAWE as a framework. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis using ATLAS.ti.v24. Results: The analysis revealed alterations in perception, affecting environment, time, language, existential orientation, objects, and interpersonal relationships. An emerging finding concerned disturbances related to sexuality. In the "Space and Objects" domain, participants reported hallucinations and blurred vision. The "time and events" domain showed a perception of slowness. The "Other Persons" domain included hypo-attunement and paranoia. The "Language" domain revealed disorganized thinking. The "Atmosphere" domain covered déjà vu and emotional emptiness. In the "Existential Orientation" domain, new religious ideation and feelings of superiority emerged. Sexual alterations were highlighted due to their impact on quality of life. Conclusions: Individuals may experience their place in the world and their intimate relationships in ways that significantly differ from usual.