Surreal illustration of a movie theater inside a head, symbolizing anomalies of imagination in schizophrenia.

Unlocking the Imagination: How 'Inner Movies' Offer New Insights into Schizophrenia

Samir D’Costa in Mind & Education September 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores the connection between vivid mental imagery and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, potentially improving diagnosis and understanding of the condition."

Imagine having elaborate, movie-like scenarios play out in your mind, complete with intricate details and characters that act independently of your will. While fully aware that these are products of your imagination, the experiences can be intense and sometimes disturbing. This is a glimpse into what researchers are calling 'anomalies of imagination,' and new findings suggest they're closely linked to schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

A recent study delved into these unique subjective experiences, investigating how they manifest in individuals with schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and other mental health conditions. The goal? To better understand the connection between these anomalies and the broader spectrum of schizophrenia-related psychopathology.

The research utilized a specialized tool called the Examination of Anomalous Fantasy and Imagination (EAFI) to assess the presence and intensity of these experiences. By exploring the diagnostic distribution and correlations of these anomalies, the study offers fresh insights into the complexities of schizophrenia and potential avenues for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Decoding 'Anomalies of Imagination': What the Research Reveals

Surreal illustration of a movie theater inside a head, symbolizing anomalies of imagination in schizophrenia.

The study, which involved 21 inpatients and 42 outpatients alongside 18 healthy controls, focused on identifying and quantifying anomalies of imagination using the EAFI. This semi-structured interview explores the presence of vivid, spatially articulated mental images that patients recognize as imagination, not reality. Researchers rated the experiences on a lifetime basis, focusing on instances that occurred repeatedly.

The results revealed a significant correlation between anomalies of imagination and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Key findings include:

Higher Prevalence: Individuals with schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder reported significantly more anomalies of imagination compared to those with other mental illnesses and healthy controls.
Symptom Correlation: The EAFI score directly correlated with the severity of positive and negative symptoms, as assessed by the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale).
Functional Impact: A higher EAFI score was associated with lower levels of social and occupational functioning, indicating that these anomalies can impact daily life.

Interestingly, the study found no direct correlation between the EAFI score and the duration of illness or psychosis, suggesting that these anomalies are a fundamental aspect of the schizophrenia spectrum, potentially emerging early in life.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

This research provides compelling evidence that anomalies of imagination are a significant feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. By highlighting the presence of vivid 'inner movies' and their connection to core symptoms, the study opens new avenues for understanding and potentially diagnosing these complex conditions.

The findings suggest that assessing anomalies of imagination could aid in differential diagnosis, particularly in patients presenting with unusual or unspecific complaints related to their imagination. This could be especially valuable in distinguishing schizophrenia-spectrum disorders from other conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as OCD or anxiety disorders.

While further research is needed to explore the temporal stability and predictive value of these anomalies, this study marks a significant step towards a more nuanced understanding of schizophrenia and the role of subjective experience in its manifestation. Future studies could investigate the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these anomalies, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of individuals affected by schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.11.019, Alternate LINK

Title: Anomalies Of Imagination In The Schizophrenia-Spectrum: Empirical Findings

Subject: Biological Psychiatry

Journal: Schizophrenia Research

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Andreas Rosén Rasmussen, Ditte Sæbye, Josef Parnas

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are 'anomalies of imagination' in relation to the study?

The term 'anomalies of imagination' refers to unusual and vivid mental experiences, specifically those resembling 'inner movies.' These involve detailed, movie-like scenarios playing out in the mind, complete with intricate details and independent characters. Individuals are aware these are products of their imagination, yet the experiences can be intense and potentially disturbing. In the context of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, these anomalies are a subject of investigation, as they appear to be linked to the condition.

Why are 'anomalies of imagination' considered important in this research?

The study highlights the importance of 'anomalies of imagination' because it demonstrates a significant correlation between these experiences and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This suggests these anomalies are not just random occurrences, but rather a fundamental aspect of the condition. The research, using the Examination of Anomalous Fantasy and Imagination (EAFI), revealed a higher prevalence of these anomalies in individuals with schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder. The EAFI score also correlated with the severity of symptoms and lower levels of social and occupational functioning, indicating the substantial impact on daily life.

What is the Examination of Anomalous Fantasy and Imagination (EAFI)?

The Examination of Anomalous Fantasy and Imagination (EAFI) is a specialized tool used in the study to assess the presence and intensity of 'anomalies of imagination'. It is a semi-structured interview that explores the presence of vivid, spatially articulated mental images that patients recognize as imagination, not reality. The researchers used the EAFI to identify and quantify these anomalies, focusing on instances that occurred repeatedly over a lifetime. The EAFI helped to determine the correlation between the anomalies of imagination and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

What are the implications of this research for diagnosis and treatment?

The implications of this research are significant for both diagnosis and treatment. The discovery of a strong connection between 'anomalies of imagination' and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders opens new avenues for improved diagnosis by potentially identifying a key feature of the condition. This understanding could help clinicians to better identify and understand patients. Furthermore, the research potentially paves the way for targeted treatment strategies that address these anomalies and improve the quality of life for individuals with these disorders. It suggests a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these conditions.

What does the study say about the relationship between 'anomalies of imagination' and the duration of the illness?

The study found no direct correlation between the EAFI score, which measures 'anomalies of imagination,' and the duration of illness or psychosis. This indicates that these anomalies are a fundamental aspect of the schizophrenia spectrum. The findings suggest these experiences may emerge early in life and remain a stable feature of the condition. This implies these anomalies are likely a core characteristic rather than a consequence of the length or severity of the illness, which makes them a potentially valuable diagnostic marker.