Schizophrenia Support Group
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental disorder characterized by impairments in the perception of reality and by significant social dysfunction. Untreated schizophrenia is typically characterized by demonstrating disorganized thinking and experiencing delusions or auditory hallucinations.
(Over activity and connectivity of the default mode network (brain region) was found in schizophrenics.)
(The default mode network normally becomes active during rest.)
(A resting brain uses hardly any less energy than an "active" brain.)
(Schizophrenics are active in rest, while active.)
"Areas of the brain included in the default mode network include the medial temporal lobe, the medial prefrontal cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex, as well as the ventral precuneus and parts of the parietal cortex. All of these regions have been associated with some aspect of internal thought. For example, the medial temporal lobe is associated with memory. The medial prefrontal cortex has been associated with theory of mind, the ability to recognize others as having thoughts and feelings similar to ones own. The posterior cingulate is thought to involve integrating different kinds of internal thoughts. Mirror neurons have also been posited to interact with the DMN."
(The default mode network normally becomes active during rest.)
(A resting brain uses hardly any less energy than an "active" brain.)
(Schizophrenics are active in rest, while active.)
"Areas of the brain included in the default mode network include the medial temporal lobe, the medial prefrontal cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex, as well as the ventral precuneus and parts of the parietal cortex. All of these regions have been associated with some aspect of internal thought. For example, the medial temporal lobe is associated with memory. The medial prefrontal cortex has been associated with theory of mind, the ability to recognize others as having thoughts and feelings similar to ones own. The posterior cingulate is thought to involve integrating different kinds of internal thoughts. Mirror neurons have also been posited to interact with the DMN."
It might be because of this default mode network that I don't smile when I'm supposed to or look people in the eye the whole time. I don't look people in the eye, a negative symptom, because the entire time, I'm thinking about how I'm looking them in the eye. It's distracting. So I'll throw them a glance every few seconds. Then, I don't smile because it feels unnatural. I think about it too much.