Self-disorders are increasingly seen as the root cause of schizophrenia, not merely a symptom. This aligns with philosophical views of an enactive self, formed through action and interaction. The authors analyze definitions of the self and evaluate computational theories, particularly Bayesian and predictive processing approaches, for modeling the active self. They assess the implementation and challenges of these models in computational psychiatry and cognitive developmental robotics. Embodied robotic systems are described as valuable tools for assessing, validating, and simulating mechanisms of self-disorders, especially those involving sensorimotor learning, prediction, and self-other distinction. This link offers insights into self-formation and new avenues for treating psychiatric disorders.
A literature review on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for mental illnesses examined peer-reviewed studies from 2017 to 2022. Nine studies covered tobacco addiction, anxiety and depression related to life-threatening cancer, and treatment-resistant depression. Rapid clinical improvement of various symptoms was observed, with the strongest evidence for treating tobacco addiction and anxiety and depression tied to life-threatening illnesses. No serious adverse events were reported. However, current studies have limitations, including small sample sizes, difficulties with blinding, and a non-representative treatment population. The results are not representative but provide indications of effective treatment and serve as a starting point for further studies.