Discover the World of Aphantasia

Can You Picture This?

Imagine a world where up to 4% of people can't create mental images. That's the reality of aphantasia, a fascinating variation in human cognition discovered in 2015. Aphantasia Network is your hub for understanding, exploring, and embracing life without a mind's eye.

Joining Aphantasia Network has changed my life! I really thought aphantasia was holding me back, but now I understand that image-free thinking is my superpower.

side profile of a women, thinking deeply and visualizing. Imagined with midjourney.

Latest Aphantasia Activity

Research
The impact of aphantasia on mental healthcare experiences: Stage 2 Registered Report
Reeder, R. R., Mawtus, B., Thomas, B. R., & Renwick, F. (2024). The impact of aphantasia on mental healthcare experiences: Stage 2 Registered Report. doi:10.31234/osf.io/f6h5q
Around 4% of people have a condition called aphantasia, where they lack the ability to visualize mental images. This study looked at how aphantasia impacts the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Many mental illnesses involve symptoms related to mental imagery, like flashbacks in PTSD or negative body image in eating disorders. And common therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) rely heavily on visualizing images in your mind. The researchers surveyed people with aphantasia and typical imagery abilities about their experiences with mental health care. The data showed mental health conditions manifest very differently in aphantasia, with a lack of imagery-related symptoms. People with aphantasia frequently reported a lack of awareness about their condition led to missed or incorrect diagnoses by providers. Importantly, those with aphantasia said therapy techniques involving visualizing images, especially in CBT, were ineffective for treating their mental illness compared to typical controls. In-depth interviews revealed two main themes for those with aphantasia - a quest to understand their lack of imagery and different journeys through mental health care. Some found their aphantasia through seeking help, describing memory challenges and feeling different. Their mental health care experiences varied - those with anxiety, depression or neurodivergence had more success, while those with trauma or complex conditions heavily relied on providers' empathy and understanding for positive outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the widespread impact aphantasia can have on all aspects of mental health care - from recognizing and diagnosing conditions to treatment through therapy. Increased awareness is needed for aphantasia in mental health settings.