Event-related potential correlates of consciousness in simple auditory hallucinations.

The neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) for auditory awareness include auditory awareness negativity (AAN) and late positivity (LP), but it is unclear which is the true NCC. By inducing simple auditory hallucinations through a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, where participants rated near-threshold tones and stimulus-absent trials, AAN appeared as an early event-related potential difference between aware and unaware stimuli, suggesting it is a genuine NCC for auditory consciousness. Late positivity was absent in these hallucinations, indicating it may not be essential for auditory awareness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) have been proposed for perceptual awareness in various sensory modalities. To date, perceptual awareness negativity (PAN) and late positivity (LP) are considered the main NCC candidates, and the question remains which one is the NCC proper. Investigating states where the content of consciousness is independent of the physical stimulus, may provide additional theoretical and empirical value. We studied the event-related potential (ERP) markers of auditory awareness in simple auditory hallucinations using a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, where participants listened to the near-threshold tones and stimulus-absent trials, rating subjective clarity with the perceptual awareness scale (PAS). The results showed auditory awareness negativity (AAN) - an early event-related potential difference between aware and unaware stimuli - in the hallucinatory condition, suggesting that AAN is an NCC proper in auditory consciousness. Late positivity was absent in simple auditory hallucinations.