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Aphantasia and psychological disorder: Current connections, defining the imagery deficit and future directions

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.822989
Cavedon-Taylor, D. (2022). Aphantasia and psychological disorder: current connections, defining the imagery deficit and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.822989

Abstract

Aphantasia is a condition characterized by a deficit of mental imagery. Since several psychopathologies are partially maintained by mental imagery, it may be illuminating to consider the condition against the background of psychological disorder. After outlining current findings and hypotheses regarding aphantasia and psychopathology, this paper suggests that some support for defining aphantasia as a lack of voluntary imagery may be found here. The paper then outlines potentially fruitful directions for future research into aphantasia in general and its relation to psychopathology in particular, including rethinking use of the SUIS to measure involuntary imagery, whether aphantasia offers protection against addiction, and whether hyperphantasia is a potential risk factor for maladaptive daydreaming, among others.

Authors

  • Dan Cavedon-Taylor1

Understanding Aphantasia and Its Connection to Psychological Disorders

Overview/Introduction

Aphantasia is a unique condition where individuals experience a lack of mental imagery. This means they cannot visualize images in their mind, which is a common ability for most people. This paper explores the intriguing relationship between aphantasia and various psychological disorders. Since mental imagery plays a role in maintaining certain mental health conditions, understanding aphantasia might offer new insights into these disorders.

Methodology

The paper reviews existing research and hypotheses about aphantasia and its connection to psychological disorders. It examines different theories about aphantasia, such as:
  • Lack of metacognition: Difficulty in understanding and controlling one's own thought processes.
  • Lack of voluntary mental imagery: Inability to create images in the mind at will.
  • Complete absence of imagery capacity: Total lack of both voluntary and involuntary mental imagery.
The study also critiques existing tools like the SUIS (Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale) and VVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire) for measuring mental imagery, highlighting their limitations in distinguishing between voluntary and involuntary imagery.

Key Findings

  • Voluntary vs. Involuntary Imagery: The paper suggests that individuals with aphantasia might still experience involuntary imagery, which is crucial in conditions like PTSD and depression.
  • Potential Protection Against Disorders: Aphantasia might offer some protection against certain psychological disorders, such as addiction, due to the lack of vivid mental imagery.
  • Hyperphantasia Risks: On the flip side, hyperphantasia (extremely vivid mental imagery) could be a risk factor for maladaptive daydreaming, where excessive daydreaming interferes with daily life.

Implications

Understanding aphantasia could lead to:
  • New Treatment Approaches: Tailoring psychological treatments to individuals with aphantasia, as traditional imagery-based therapies may be less effective.
  • Insights into Addiction: Exploring how aphantasia might protect against addiction could open new avenues for addiction treatment.
  • Broader Understanding of Human Cognition: Studying aphantasia contributes to our knowledge of cognitive diversity and how different minds work.

Limitations

  • Early Stage Research: The study acknowledges that research on aphantasia is still in its infancy, and conclusions are tentative.
  • Measurement Challenges: Current tools for assessing mental imagery may not accurately capture the nuances of aphantasia, particularly the distinction between voluntary and involuntary imagery.
In summary, this paper highlights the potential connections between aphantasia and psychological disorders, suggesting that further research could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating mental health conditions.