Can other animals suffer from schizophrenia?

[Dub]

Just a thought I had. Schizophrenia has a physical effect on the brain. Therefore, can other aniamls, especially animals genetically close to humans, suffer from it? If so, what would the implications be for the 'consciousness' debate with the 'voices-in-the-head' effects of Schizophrenia? (I know this is not the only symptom and doesnt HAVE to be a symptom) For example, how would voices-in-the-head manifest themselves in say, a chimp? Would they be 'chimp voices'?

 

[Truzi]

LOL. Cool question. Well, if an animal with the disorder were to have auditory hallucinations, I'd imagine it would be sounds the chimp would normally hear, or perhaps the chimp equivalent of self-talk.

I read an interesting study where people who had auditory hallucinations were compared to those who did not, while in an MRI or similar device. No one had these hallucinations during the study. They read to themselves, and the scientists monitored brain activity.

It seemed an area of the brain was less active in those with hallucinations - forget the area. It was suggested that the reduced activity might have something to do with people not knowing that a thought is their own.

I've not followed up on the research so I don't know if it has been replicated, nor do I know the criticisms. I'm sure someone else here should have better information.

 

[xouper]

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