Timing and schizophrenia: Time to get abstract?

Abstract

In this commentary I summarize why I started to study timing in schizophrenia, and why I got interested in non-conscious mechanisms. I emphasize the contrast between the multitude of tiny sensory characteristics that need to be processed, mostly non-consciously, and the stability and continuity we experience subjectively. My work suggests this to be true also for timing. Our studies unveiled some of the mechanisms helping us to ignore the tiny signals that may otherwise disrupt our sense of time continuity, and suggest such disruption may occur in individuals with schizophrenia. Given the link between timing and the sense of self, I propose that further studies on timing may help to connect neurobiology, cognitive and clinical disorders in individuals with schizophrenia, thus helping to develop innovative therapeutics.