Does everything really happen for a reason?
Another term for apophenia is patternicity.
What Does It Mean If You Have Apophenia?
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Apophenia is thought to be a feature common to psychotic states wherehallucinationsanddelusionsoccur.
What Is an Example of Apophenia?
Some common examples of apophenia include:
Is Apophenia a Mental Disorder?
Apophenia is not a mental disorder, though it can potentially be a symptom of one.
Again, we all experience moments of apophenia from time to time.
Its human nature to search to make connections and connect the dots.
Psychosis is a symptom of several different mental illnesses, includingbipolar disorder, severe depression, and schizophrenia.
In rare cases, extreme sleep deprivation can cause symptoms of psychosis.
Pareidolia is a concept related to apophenia, in that it involves finding meaning where there is no meaning.
But pareidolia is when you find meaning invisualrepresentations.
Can Apophenia Lead to Schizophrenia?
Remember, some amount of apophenia is normal.
Theres not much research about whether it can lead to schizophrenia and under what circumstances.
2020 research indicates apophenia may be a risk factor forpsychotic disorders, which can include schizophrenia.
The greatest concern with apophenia is that it can be a symptom of unfolding psychosis.
Psychosis is treatable, but if it’s not treated, it can become dangerous.
People with psychosis may become a danger to themselves or others.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.
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