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Aphantasia Logo
Back to all discussions
Community

Join the conversation and share your experiences with the community.

Start a Discussion
Discussion Guidelines

Please remember to:

  • • Be respectful and constructive
  • • Share your personal experiences
  • • Ask questions if you're curious
  • • Help others feel welcome
You're not alone

Talk to counselors, coaches, and educators who already understand aphantasia — so you don't have to start by explaining what it is.

Find aphantasia-aware support
Aphantasia Logo

Building awareness and understanding of aphantasia through research, education, and community support.

About

  • What is Aphantasia?
  • What is Hyperphantasia?
  • Take Assessment
  • Getting Started
  • Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact

Community

  • Premium Membership
  • Find support
  • Discussions
  • Events
  • Visualize

For Professionals

  • Overview
  • Free Introduction
  • Counselor Training
  • Educator Training
  • List Your Practice
  • Pricing & Bundles

Resources

  • Articles & Stories
  • Videos & Interviews
  • Aphantasia Course
  • FAQs

Research

  • Research Library
  • Participate in Studies
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© 2026 Aphantasia Network. All rights reserved.

  • Terms and Conditions
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Is aphantasia caused by psychological trauma?

March 17, 20201 min readByKarl Henrik Flyum
Acquired AphantasiaMental Health
Are there any scientific/scholarly sources concerning permanent aphantasia caused by psychological trauma? I experienced this myself, but have not yet found anything in the literature. Back in 1997, I lost my minds eye after a period of extreme psychological stress.

Is aphantasia caused by psychological trauma?

March 17, 20201 min readByKarl Henrik Flyum
Acquired AphantasiaMental Health
Are there any scientific/scholarly sources concerning permanent aphantasia caused by psychological trauma? I experienced this myself, but have not yet found anything in the literature. Back in 1997, I lost my minds eye after a period of extreme psychological stress.
Aphantasia Logo
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Gabriele Schröder•recently•edited
I recently discovered that I have aphantasia and SDAM - my mind's eye is almost, but not completely blind. Although I (obviously) cannot recall any early childhood psychological trauma, I wonder whether the condition for me is not congenital but trauma-induced. So far, I haven't found any evidence in the literature, but should I find something, I will post it here.
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K
Kayla Adams•recently•edited
This, and a question about memory were my first questions I wanted to ask coming on here.I was repeatedly sexually abused as a young child and have no recollection of ever having a "mind's eye" and one of my first thoughts upon learning about aphantasia was whether it could be caused by trauma.
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