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Psychoneurophysiologically
Approaching a Field Theory Understanding of Schizophrenia via Research of a
Non-normative, Non-pathological Syndrome: Synesthesia, and the need for more information By Gordon Hayes Western Washington University 25 May 1984 Revision 2010 Runninghead: Synesthesia / Schizo. Abstract In past years, the study, control, and understanding of
schizophrenia, has been greatly hampered by lack of information, inappropriate
tools (like no computers of sufficient complexity for handling of compilation
and dissemination of data), and perhaps, most simply, the incorrect approach.
Since we must now consider, re-evaluate, and redirect our attempts at helping
the schizophrenic person, this paper is directed towards seeing the
schizophrenic person through the "filter" of a "normal"
condition known as synesthesia. Various mental and neural mechanisms are
pointed to; some similar to both schizophrenia and synesthesia. This paper was
written towards the continuation of research in both the "normal" and
the “abnormal" conditions, with the further comment that this research is
complimentary in many ways; while it is acknowledged that there are many other
ways which do not match up (surely, or else the two conditions would be the
same). Through this type of study, it is conjectured that the human experience
would be greatly enriched. Psychoneurophysiologically
Approaching a Field Theory Understanding of Schizophrenia via Research of a
Non-normative, Non-pathological Syndrome: Synesthesia, and the need for more information It would seem that there has been very
little research on the synesthetic personality (synesthete). I have found none.
There is some research on synesthesia itself, but mostly between the 1880's and
the 1920's. Although its study was conducted by such prestigious investigators
as (Price, 1979): ·
Pythagoras: "Music of the Spheres" (6th cent.
B.C.) ·
Aristotle: "Harmony of colors like Harmony of
Sounds" (4th Cent. B.C.) ·
Locke (1690), and Leibniz (1704): “Blind Man Apprehends
Scarlet by Sound of a Trumpet ·
Newton (1704): ”Parallel Between Colors of Spectrum and
Notes of Musical Scale” ·
E. Darwin (1790): “Parallel Between Colors and Musical Notes” ·
Gautier (1843, 1846): “Description of Colored Hearing Induced
by Hashish” ·
Wundt (1874): "Equivalence of Pitch and Brightness
is by Analogy” ·
Fechner (1876): “Report of colored vowels” ·
Galton (1883): “Report of colored vowels: Synesthesia
Frequent in Children” ·
Binet (1892): “Report of Colored Vowels”, and, (1893):
"Colored Hearing has Associative Basis ·
Flournoy (1893): Review of Colored Hearing and Vowels:
Law of Brightness” ·
Scriabins (1911): 'Prometheus: Composition for Sound and
Light As well as many lesser known, but just as fascinating reports on, or show
cases of, synesthesia. The focus of this paper is on the
cross-modal translations of sensory data (synesthesia); be it cognitive,
neurological, or what-have-you; which will be tied into the condition called
schizophrenia; not necessarily as a sub-condition, or causative factor, but as
a way to better and more completely study schizophrenia. Traditionally, schizophrenia has been a
label for humans acting outside of the realm of continuous, normal social
behavior. The present studies of schizophrenia have been wide and varied; only,
in a rather limited sort of way. The conditions of schizophrenia, when
considered by way of its symptomology, becomes somewhat vague in relation to
causality. This paper will take the stand that
schizophrenia is both environmental/biological, as well as, genetic. Also, that
the way to understand the causal relationships for schizophrenia is to turn our
attention to the brain itself, "…in the belief that much more fundamental
information is needed on the normal workings of the brain before we can hope to
understand abnormalities" (McGeer, 1971). It is hoped that through the
comparative, psycho-physiological processes, we can better achieve a more
complete "picture" of how the brain does, and can work. McGeer (1971)
plainly supports this goal: "...as the marvels of brain organization are unraveled
through pain staking research, it is becoming evident that mind and behavior
can be profoundly influenced by quite understandable physical
and chemical processes." This paper will also support the supposition
that, as Carlson (1981) states: "Chronic schizophrenia is heritable, acute
schizophrenia is environmental. So, one is contingent upon genetic and biological
and environmental circumstances, acute schizophrenia is contingent upon
biological and environmental, however, environment (and psychological
reactions to it) may lead to biological" (page 667). Stating thus that by
adapting to an environment (which is itself, perhaps skewed) one is likely to
do permanent alterations to the minute structures of the organism. This is an
age old question. Some agree, with supporting evidence; others oppose, with
dissenting evidence. This paper takes the pro side of the argument. That is,
that humans are dynamic creatures with the ability to alter their epistemology
consciously and, as well, unconsciously. The only "grey" areas to
this stand are the processes at which the changed organism transmits the
change, and the processes of changing genetically, via psychobiological means.
The psychobiological processes are not in question (as will be explained
later). However, it is believed that near-future research will support the view
this paper upholds. As was previously stated, the way to study
the schizophrenic condition is through its own research, and concurrently, the
research of normal processes; to be eventually, comparatively, utilized. It is
within the scope of this paper, therefore, to propose that the study of the
mechanisms, of the condition known as synesthesia, are justified. The usual
approach in the literature has been to use this word as a generic term for, as
Marks (1975, p. 303) states: "The cross-modal translation of attributes
of sensation from one sensory domain to another." Which is to say it
represents, "a condition in which stimulation from one sensory modality
arouses imagery in a different modality" (Chaplin, 1968, p.493). It has been generally accepted in past
research that sensory systems are regarded as discrete and isolated units, each
with its own function, receptors, neural pathways and cortical areas
(LeTourneau, 1972). Helmholtz suggested, perhaps at the concept's zenith, that
there was no interaction between the domains of the senses (Hartshorne, 1934).
It was noted by Price (1979), that recent advances in neurophysiology have led
to serious considerations regarding intersensory communication. He noted that
"physical evidence supporting the potential for communication between the
auditory and visual sensory systems within the central nervous system (C.N.S.)
has been supplied by a number of investigators (Harris, 1950; Ades, 1959; Young, 1960; Jung, 1961; Hernandez-Peon, 1961;
Murata, Cramer and Bach-y-rita, 1972). Price indicates that these
investigations have been suggested to account for the renewed interest in
physiological and psychophysical research directed at the determination of
whether cross-modal translations of sensory experience do indeed exist between
vision and audition. This type of transfer, often referred to as
"psychochromesthetic synesthesia", will serve as focus in the area of
cross-modal translations. The label for "synesthesia" has been
difficult to settle upon, as Price discusses in his thesis. Since, as Price
says, that there have been many accounts of varying forms of synesthesia in the
literature (including that of: “colored-pain”, e.g., Whipple, 1900; Downey,
1911; Gregson, 1967. Or, familiar connections between color and thermal
sensations giving a scheme of “warm” and “cool” colors, e.g., Sully, 1879;
Whipple, 1900), this paper will use the more simple term of synesthesia to
indicate the specific reference to psychochromesthesic chromesthesia, as well
as the cross-modal translations of sensory data in general, since this is in
part, the purpose of this paper; to explore the normal/abstract; contrastually of
the predominantly "normal" individual, and the abstract, or bizarre
individual. Other forms and names of synesthesia noted by
Price (1979) are listed in his thesis and cover most types of cross-modal
conditions. The usual study of synesthesia covers applications for artificial
limbs, senses, etc. Ortman (1933) defined the “compensation theory”
of synesthesia as claiming a “shift from a defective sense department into a
better developed one” (p. 161). This indicates a compensatory mechanism in
sensory substitution, and has been the focus of much sensory compensation
research. Studying these systems can enrich the understanding of the processes
of the schizophrenic person more in Quality and in diversification of
knowledge. Computers will help us assimilate and apply all this data, in time. The literature has few reports in English,
and they tend to be limited in value. There have not been enough in-depth
physiological investigations. Price indicates most are from the Soviet Union;
most are introspective, hearsay, anecdotal, and descriptive. Theories of Causation One of the major theories of synesthesia is
that of Ortmann (1933, p.163); that is, “waves of the solar spectrum are
multiple frequencies of those in the tonal octave.” This is indicating the
underlying initiator of all our senses being vibrational in nature, which is
not farfetched. Another implication of this, is that the cross-modal
translations occur at the level of the sensory apparatus themselves. The
probability of this is quite high, and also, reasonable (if you will excuse me
that subjective overtone). Ginsberg (1923), while “physically run down
and nervously unstable” claimed the development of chromesthetic experiences
(Price, 1979). This suggested to him that synesthesia is in “some form true of
everyone”, “and provided additional support for the vibrational theory of
chromesthesia. Six years hence, Collins (1929) concluded that the associated
colors of sound form as an “essential part of the cognitive equipment of the
individual”, and that, “it does not play simply a secondary role in sensation
(Price, 1979). Though synesthesia was previously thought to be abnormal, most
researchers eventually agreed that it is not abnormal (e.g., Mudge, 1920;
Ginsberg, 1923; Vernon, 1930; Odbert, Karwoski and Ackerson, 1942; Reichard,
Jakobson and Werth, 1949; Reis, 1963; Lehman, 1972; Marks, 1975), from Price (1979).
Synesthesia was no longer considered to be an indication of a deranged or
abnormal mind. Surely then, if it is not defective, it must be normal. Kelly
(1934), attempting to determine if synesthesia is learned, failed, and
concluded that it was of a physiological origin: it was not until 1944 when
Howells succeeded in proving a learning theory behind it. Price noted another
intriguing relationship pointed to by Harris (1950), dealing with a comparison
of energy integration within the eye and ear. Price states: ·
“… a pure tone is known to change pitch
when its amplitude changes. Likewise, a change in hue is also known to occur
with variations in intensity ("The Bezold-Brucke effect"). Although
the mechanisms between the two systems vary, one hydrodynamic and the other
photochemical, Harris concluded that, “...the fundamental ways in which the two
senses handle wavelength have a number of curious similarities” (1950, p.20).
In elaboration upon this, he presented physiologic evidence of a neurological
basis for intersensory integration. Direct connections between the visual and auditory
CNS pathways, in the mid-brain and motor nuclei of the brain stem, were cited
as the locus of neural integration. This implied that chromesthesia may be the
result of natural (neural) anatomical connections between visual and auditory
paths, supporting a physiological (neural) theory of colored hearing. Gradually,
with the advent of new strides in neurology, supporting evidence of this notion
also increased (cf. Ades, 1959; Young, 1960; Jung, 1961; Hernandez-Peon, 1961; Murata
et al., 1965; or Bach-y-rita, 1972). In general, chromesthesia was viewed as a
normal phenomena of the human mind. This conclusion, although based on physiology
rather than behavioral observations, was also reached by Reichard, Jakobson and
Werth (1949), in their examination of a subject with marked chromesthesia. Like
Harris (1950), they maintained that chromesthetic synesthesia is the result of
a physiological mechanism and that it is not so rare as once expected.” Perhaps the point here is that synesthesia is rooted in
more than one level of actuation. It seems, that is, to me. It seems that
titles of articles on synesthesia began to change about 1960 to those of: ·
"Narrowing of the visual fields by
noise" (Benko, 1962, ·
"The contralateral relationships between
the halves of the visual fields and the ears" (Naruyama, 1961); and, ·
"The elicitation of mediators and colors
as a function of pure tone frequency" (Reis, 1963); from Price (1979). It seems that synesthesia had somehow gotten
ahead of its zeitgeist and it now became undue to study synesthesia outright
and openly as before. Although the mention of synesthesia in these articles was
absent, they were still extensions of earlier research on it. These studies (Maruyama,
1961; Benko, 1962), Price (1979) noted: ·
"…gave distinction in that the physical
changes in sensitivity noted were in the sensory domain to which stimulation
from one modality had lateralized; as in contrast where most conventional
synesthetic investigations dealt exclusively with conditions wherein
stimulation in one modality only aroused imagery in another sensory system.” This being meaningful since they demonstrate concrete
examples of cross-modal exchange. Reis (1963) in his Doctoral dissertation
found that mediators and colors were reliably associated to the relative frequencies
of the stimuli, but not to their absolute frequencies. He also noted that
synesthetic responses could be elicited by all his subjects though only one had
previously experienced it. Davies (1974 I, 1974 II) found evidence to
support intersensory interaction. By conditioning subjects 300 times with
visual and auditory stimuli. As anticipated, the auditory stimulus was then
enough to elicit the associated visual image (with no retinal stimulation)
which was said to clearly produce distinguishable activity within the visual
cortex of the brain, supporting a cortical basis for communication between
sensory dimensions. Considering that this meant that the visual after-images
were not retinal (sensations), but rather cortical (perceptual) phenomena, it
seems that chromesthetic response dealt more with imagery than physical
thresholds. Thus the view of the sensory apparatus theory of synesthesia dims,
leaving that of the cortical and neuronal phenomenon theories. This may indicate a subjective difference (or
factor) in the "objective" study of synesthesia,
whereas the distinction between imagery and sensation becomes muddled. However,
if, as Marks (1975, p.316) outlines, the two are on a continuum; that is, if
they have common sensory elements, as is suggested by Segal and Fusela (1970),
then "it might be convenient to think of the conjunction of imagery and
sensation in terms of some common portion of the neural system that both
actuate". Marks continued to say that "the underlying mechanism
responsible “for colored-hearing must have finely tuned discriminative
ability". Price (1979) says of Marks' study and others:
·
"The information supplied by Marks on
the various aspects of psychochromosthetic synesthesia (colored-hearing) was
impressive and thorough. Unfortunately, the articles published by him marked
the last major contributions to the literature on the topic. Empirical papers
on the subject have grown scarce the past years." The lack of research in synesthesia is nearly
vacuous. Perhaps for want of scope or direction. There are plenty of researchers
claiming need for synesthetic research (refer to Price (1979), for a complete
list). The practical applications of synesthesia are all physically oriented in
nature; in other words, there is nothing in psychology (mental health) areas on
it, to date. There is a strong indication that this will at very least, help
complimentary research within the holistic investigation of schizophrenic
persons. The neural level might be a good place to exemplify this, as
synesthesia and schizophrenia work through similar levels of the neural system,
and in similar mechanisms of cross-modal type behavior and perception (that of
confusion, in itself, is a perfect example of what multi-modal linkages could
initiate, were they to occur too rapidly, etc.). Synesthesia research is considered to be
cognitive by many, but there is also evidence to indicate that a neural basis
is also possible. The study of synesthesia branches out two separate directions
and into many dimensions. First, there is the perceptual research, of which
this paper is reticent to delve into, in an attempt to remain as
"concrete" as possible. Secondly, the possibility of multi-sensory
acquisition of data cannot be ignored any more than the perceptual aspects of
synesthesia research can, but this will be the focus. Ortmann's (1933) [previously stated]
vibration theory shows that the nature of human organic sensory reception is
vibratory and as such vibrations activate more than one sensory mode, and as it
has been shown in past research, this affects not only the primary sensory mode
being excited or stimulated, but also the other modes of sensory reception; as
was previously, not thought to be. Bornstein (1935) stated: ·
The following has however been clearly
ascertained. Brightness-exciting stimuli have an effect not only
from the muscles upon the eye, but there is induced by such stimuli a
modification of the whole organism, which can be experimentally
demonstrated on both human beings and animals by the most varied methods...in addition to...[the existence of
"inter-modal" relations of senses]...we have found that the capacity
for reaction to brightness-stimuli is not only an essential characteristic of
the sense-organs, as a premodal function, i.e., antecedent to all other
sensory functions; but that brightness excitation encompasses the whole
organism in all its parts, as a fundamental biological process (p.129-130). First, it appears that there is a general
stimulation of all senses, but with one in dominance when stimulation occurs,
there is a perceptual phenomenon in which the sensory data is rearranged into
other than what input was available by sensory apparatus. Third, there may be
another: the main pathway between the first two, that of the neural pathway
connecting the brain to the sense-organs and therefore to the environment. This is the area of sensory plasticity,
which is the ability of one sensory system (receptors, afferent pathways, and
CNS representation) to assume the functions of another system (Bach-y-rita,
1972). This research is generally concerned with the use of para-sensory devices
to aid in increasing functionability of a normal sense, over that of a
degenerative, or non-functional sense-organ; or replacing what is not there any
longer (limbs, eyes, etc.). A knowledge of the mechanisms of sensory analysis
is of fundamental importance to the study of synesthesia, schizophrenia and,
the development of practical sensory substitution systems. These artificial
systems can also be used for studying perceptual mechanisms (an abstract from their
physicality), since all input, display, as well as
the learning process, can be controlled by the investigator (Bach-y-rita,1972).
As will be seen, the learning process is closely tied to functional, as well
as, dysfunctional neural paths, sensations, and perceptions. A very basic
aspect of learning in psychobiology is that of the affect of thought to alter
the physical structure of the brain (its neural pathways, chemical
concentrations, number of neural knobs, synapses, etc.). Indeed, this has been
shown in many cases. Bennett, Diamond, Krech, and Rosenweig (1964), reported
that: ·
“...the weight of the cortex, its thickness,
and the acetylcholine activity are all influenced by function.” Bach-y-rita (1972), found that: ·
“...experience in one sensory modality can
affect rather specifically the brain regions subserving that modality.” Bennett, et. al. (1964), also stated that: ·
“...the number of synapses may increase with
sensory enrichment, and that a 5% increase in acetylcholine activity may
reflect a 20% increase in the number of synapses.” The more
synapses the more sophisticated the modality, the larger they are, the more
information they can convey. There is great flexibility and adaptability within
the brain. In a very controlled study by Robertson (1965), using the visual
cortex of cats and administering certain drugs discovered that “the drugs are
uncovering synapses and pathways that already exist, but are not utilized under
normal circumstances.” This could account for some aspects of synesthesia as
well as some of schizophrenic onset. Bach-y-rita (1972) mentioned that “central
structures and pathways subserving any function are potentially larger in
number than in base-line conditions” and also, the ‘subliminal fringe' of
structures and pathways is considerable, and under the appropriate conditions
these can be mobilized by the central nervous system". As well as this
Bach-y-rita suggests that, "an increase in regional blood flow plays a
role in the acceleration of maturation of synaptic loci". Gerard (1961) in
is rat-light experiments showed there is "an increase in the number of
branches and size and number of their terminal knobs with use.” This is
relating to the flexibility and involvement of the individual neurons. These
experiments demonstrated that lateral geniculate structural changes are reversible.
In addition to these alterations in central neurons, marked structural changes
were also demonstrable in the outer plexiform layer of the retina in
dark-reared rats (Cragg, 1968). This indicates somewhat the concept of
reciprocity between environment and the organism. Fessard (1961) found that: ·
"...a cortical neuron has a large number of
connections to each of many other neurons, and this great interneuronal
interconnectivity may well be one basis of brain plasticity. The recent studies
by Shlaer (1971) have provided strong support for the modifiability of cortical
connections by means of perceptual learning manipulation (Bach-y-rita, 1972).
Bach-y-rita also noted that even cells in primary sensory cortical areas
exhibit polymodal convergence", and, ·
"the wide-spread polysensory convergence
in the CNS presents a substrate for plastic changes". Part of the reason for this may be the regenerative
powers of the brain. When one area is damaged: ·
"...other brain areas are available to
assume functions of lost neural tissue...the CNS is also capable of adapting to
new classes of functions on a given sensory system” (Bach-y-rita, 1972). But this is taken care of, since “...impairment of one
sensory channel leads to greater use of other modalities and to greater
cerebral development (“compensation”)”; and, “the transducer functions can,
however, be mediated by artificial receptors (ibid.). Bach-y-rita (1972) also
mentions redundancy, well known in sensory research. He says of it that: ·
The brain nearly always receives varied information about
the same thing from a large number of receptors and from different sense organs
(Jung, 1961). We are sometimes unaware which of the sensory inputs (e.g.,
touch, sight, smell, or sound), available singly or in combinations, were used
to identify an object. Indeed, modality identification is often lost in the
higher integrating levels. The sensory information is, nevertheless, adequately
used for the perceptual and behavioral responses necessary, and this is
accomplished by integrating mechanisms. ·
Lashley (1958) assumed that the billions of neurons in
the cerebral network are organized into a number of systems, but that the
systems are not anatomically separate, so that the same neurons in different
permutations may participate in many systems. He considered that the cortex
must be regarded as a great network of constantly active reverberatory circuits
(Lashley,1951), and that differential responses depend on the pattern of cells
which are excited in combination. In a discussion of the visual cortex, Lashley
(1951) pointed out that this area is a network of cells of short action and
that its integrative functions are an expression of the properties of such a
network. He considered the nerve net active in rhythmic and spatial
organization to be " ... almost
coextensive with the nervous system", and, he stated, "I strongly suspect
that many phenomena of generalization, both sensory and conceptual, are
products, not of simple switching, but of interaction of complex patterns of organization
within such systems (of nets). ·
Goldstein (1931) concluded from his studies on
brain-injured patients that so long as a given system can function, even at low
efficiency, the organism will not shift to the use of another mechanism and
thus, compensatory mechanisms do not develop. In this connection, Cholden
(1954) was led to conclude that it was first necessary to die as a sighted
person before being reborn as a blind person. There is no reason why these
"extra" neural cells and pathways cannot be utilized: to either
result in schizophrenic behavior, or that of a condition like synesthesia; as
the “patient”, “directs” and “orchestrates” his brain, perhaps unwittingly, to avoid
“normal” channels of operation. This may show no pathology as the brain would
naturally develop in this way. Discussion So it does appear that vision, synesthesia,
and also perhaps, schizophrenia, are at least somewhat cognitive in nature.
However, there may still be physiologically related causative factors involved.
As Bornstein (1936) indicated in his paper's title, it is "the functional
relations of the sense organs to one another and to the organism as a
whole", that matters. Nevertheless, I believe synesthesia is related to
cognitive factors, although, the initiators may well have been physiological.
In an experiment in which the muscles of the eyes were paralyzed (Hammond,
Merton, and Sutton, 1956), the subject, Merton, was given curare, which blocks
nicotinic cholinergic synapses (Carlson, p.187, 1981). Merton
"willed" an upward movement with his eyes. Everything was able to
function perfectly except that the eyes did not move. Nevertheless, every time
Merton "willed" a movement of his eyes, he felt as if the whole world
was moving, precisely following his gaze. Since such a perceptual change can be
noted by "will power" as well as (or perhaps instead of) kinetic
(muscle movement). From this it is a small step to a distortion of cognitive
functions resulting in schizophrenia or perhaps, synesthesia. A study by Owen, and Riley (1978), found that
more than the normal amount of dopamine receptors have been found in the brain
of schizophrenics. It has been suggested that schizophrenia occurs as a result
of increased postsynaptic effects of dopamine, although this may be a secondary
effect (Carlson, 1981). Since both acetylcholine and dopamine are
neurotransmitters, there may be an effect we are as yet unaware of. As acetylcholine
level is related to increases in the number of synapses, there may be a
definite tie between the two which may come to light after more investigation. So, the two conditions of synesthesia and
schizophrenia, may have some cognitive, and biochemical connections; which
supports the study of one, to further knowledge of the other. To approach this another way, let's consider
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd ed., (DSM III),
stated symptomology of schizophrenia. To save space I will only generally cover
this. A synesthete feels in control, a schizophrenic does not. A schizophrenic
has hallucinations and/or delusions; synesthetics could be similar to
hallucinations, but only to delusions if it (the condition) got out of control,
leaving the person, subject to unwanted stimuli at a random interval, which, as
it is well known, causes a variety of problems; psychologically, as well as,
physiologically. In which case, a synesthete may reasonably become a
schizophrenic (this is reasonable since schizophrenic is considered abnormal,
and synesthesia is not); though I've come across no such case, a thorough
search of the schizophrenic case studies and literature, should turn up an
example or two quite reasonably: however the obverse, I don't believe could be
due to the many conditions, states,
and processes outlined here in this paper; which has been a vehicle to indicate
a novel (and perhaps, very helpful) means of learning more about schizophrenia;
not to mention, synesthesia, which also can be a great deal of help for its own
sake. Again, I would like to emphasize that a restructuring is necessary, of
the ways in which we go about “correcting” what is “wrong” in our universe
(along with those inherent problems). Our present theories and practices have
not solved the problems and in some
cases, exaggerated, or irritated them. I would like to mention here, Szaz and
his thoughts on the myth of “mental illness”, there is such to consider here;
though no room exists for it; still, it is there. Szaz: ·
“The norm from which deviation is measured, when one
speaks of a mental illness, is a "psychosocial and ethical" one. Yet,
the remedy is sought in terms of "medical" measures which -- it is
hoped and assumed -- are free from wide differences of ethical value. ·
“I do not here propose to offer a new conception of
"psychiatric illness" or a new form of "therapy". My aim is
more modest and yet also more ambitious. It is to suggest that the phenomenon
now called mental illness be looked at afresh and more simply, that they be
removed from the category of illnesses, and that they be regarded as the
expressions of man's struggle with the problem of how he should live. ·
“Finally, the myth of mental illness encourages us to
believe in its logical corollary: that social intercourse would be harmonious,
satisfying, and the secure basis of a "good life" were it not for the
disrupting influences of mental illness or "psychopathology".
However, universal human happiness, in this form, at least, is but another
example of a wishful fantasy. I believe that human happiness is possible--not
just for a select few, but on a scale hitherto unimaginable. ·
“But this can be achieved only if many men, not just a
few, are willing and able to confront frankly, and tackle courageously, their
ethical, personal, and social conflicts.” Therefore, life, like blindness, directs the
schizophrenic person to seek other modes of living, survival; as a blind person
would increase usage of sound, touch, etc.; a schizophrenic will seek
stimulation from other sources than daily interaction with society. It is a
question of one modality of interaction, being too ludicrous to consider usage
of, and finding another to continue on with reality (reality/unreality—-as
opposed to: sight/other-than-sight). Marks (1975) believes that: ·
“What synesthesia provides to cognition is,
in essence, a shorthand. Synesthesia is not just something that is tacked onto
ordinary sense perception and cognition. Rather, it is an integral part of
perception and cognition. Rather, it is an integral part of perception and
cognition. One of its special roles is to summarize important cognitive
distinctions in a convenient and economical way.” Therefore, this “normal” condition became
much more important than ever before. He continues: ·
“...it is both enriching (as in the
synesthetic responses to music) in its content and economical in its
mode--economical, that is, as compared to alternative means of cognitive
enrichment, such as linguistic elaboration. In this sense, it may be of some
use to treat synesthetic cognition as an adjunct (alternative
being too strong a contrast) to verbal cognition. Synesthetic, cross-modal,
sensory cognition is both less abstract and more dense in informational
content." Thus Synesthesia becomes a much more important and
intricate condition than ever before (where is the C.I.A. now?). Speculations What if we overly stressed ourselves until we
grew new neuronal links in our head, thus structuring a personality with
bizarre perceptions; since, with no apparent brain damage, incorrect linkages
will not be noticeable, other than physically being there. Perhaps shock
therapy brutalizes these tender, new neuronal links till they are numb; so,
temporary stability is achieved? If all this were true, then schizophrenics
should be stopped of their "unacceptable" behavior, as quickly as
possible without doing any kind of further damage in the process. They must
then be worked into "normal" environments and behaviors as soon as is
possible, without doing any kind of further damage in the process. The
"normal" environment (decided upon by the therapist in charge,
according to general social trends, with allowances for artistic-type
exceptions) must remain consistent: with group therapy, and general support of
fellow citizens (patients, as well as staff--though I dislike the term
"patient"). Diet must be optimal; exercise enjoyable, but adequate;
and stimulation by a well-rounded set of varying events and responsibilities
(which are rotated liberally, unless the client takes to one form of activity passionately,
i.e., artistic passion). A one-on-one relationship is also necessary with at
least two "significant" others. This could be the case Doctor, a
staff member, and family member, etc., in any varying, but consistent, degree.
They should however, be someone closely related to the existence and care of
the schizophrenic person. Discovery of their incident leading to internment,
and the incidences peripheral to it, are necessary, and must be re-examined:
both, without, and with, the “patient”, so as to "bridge" new
"gaps"; to put down the bad behavior, and to outnumber the
"wrong-thought-developed synapses" involved in the schizophrenic
behavior. The environmental aspects of this condition cannot be over
emphasized. While preparing research for the present
paper, I myself noticed some unusual behaviors being exhibited by myself. You
may also find a relative factor in this experience. I kept trying to begin the
paper, but simply could not "collect" myself. So...I kept putting
this off, chalking it up to procrastination, which I'm well known for. Once I
straightened up the mess of books, papers, articles, etc., around my apartment,
I began to notice a coalescence, or Gestalt, forming within my mind. As if my
rearrangement of my immediate environment was shaping my thought processes (it
was really quite striking). I literally could “see” the transformation take
place, and suddenly, after weeks of debate, analysis, and confusion, I could
“see” the order, the thesis, the path to take within the present paper (if the
paper seems difficult, it is your perception of the paper being limited to only
these pages-—I approximate that at least sixty to one hundred pages are
necessary to give a good explanation of this intricate subject). This to me,
was a clear example of what some schizophrenics go through. Perhaps if someone else, say my roommate, had
straightened up my notes, showed me how they were arranged (so I could use them
with some organization), I could have had the same Gestalt of the direction to
take in writing this paper. So, either I, or my roommate, would have had the
place of Therapist. This was a precise lesson for me. And now, once again, Marks (1975): ·
“...Synesthesia is probably not really lost
in the cognitive transition from childhood to adulthood, but is merely
diminished in its magnitude, importance, and/or, its salience: ... synesthetic correspondences may provide a primitive
origin containing fixed relationships upon which abstract language can build
and provide flexibility . ... Just how that verbal
mechanism operates remains a question, but whatever it is, a price is paid for
the flexibility it provides: The symbolic manipulations arise at least one
step, probably several steps, removed from the sense perceptions described, and
thereby we lose the immediacy, the richness, and the vivacity of sensory
synesthesia. Sometimes the purely sensory correspondences can be reached or
regained, for instance, under the influence of drugs. Thus, Baudelaire (1860)
the hashish smoker, could perceive, as Baudelaire (1857) the poet cognized, how
“Les parfums, les couleurs et les sons se repondent. “ Which I loosely translate to be: “The fragrances (or
flavors) of the colors, and the sounds, I myself, guarantee.” If some of this sounds like science (or speculative) fiction, it is due to
our perception too readily accepting our past, as well as being too linear in
scientific thought (which really isn’t as necessary as is generally thought by
scholars). Much of the presented material is accepted as fact now. At this
point, we must make diversive use of the data we have. Consider now, all this in relation to
synesthesia. If you train your child as a synesthesthetic (synesthete), his (or
her) neurons will continue to grow as a result, in that direction (with controlled
thought, taught by the parent and teachers); it would become pleasantly
manageable, and quite desirable. Perhaps one day, our children will come home
at night, and instead of relaxing with a drink, or a drug, or a hypnotic (T.V.,
video games, etc.), they will instead recline in a comfortable chair and simply
relax and naturally hallucinate; controlled, colorful, and desired images to a
blend of soothing (or raucous), but colorful music. A feat one could naturally
and automatically “turn on” at an instant, say, during a break at work, between
classes at school, or to listen to lessen the tedium on an airplane flight. This
could, however, lead to a new type of psychedelic revolution like we’ve never
dreamt of before. Still, who are we, that we should deny our children something
very possible and reasonable and very special? And also, what other great
wonders are we letting ourselves out of? What cures (or cues?) have we missed
because the solutions seemed “far fetched” as psychology once was, or colored
with the sounds of reasonable conjecture? References
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