Self-Awareness, the “me” Feeling, and Mental Disorders (Pages 27-30)

Ana Maria Soza Ried

Av. Vitacura 9990, of 101, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-8231.2021.09.05

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Abstract: Self-awareness capacity allows us to know that we exist in a particular form and a specific place. It guides our attentional, emotional, cognitive, decision making, executive functions, and body physiology to get the best advantages and survival. Current definitions of mental disorders describe dysfunctions of the said processes. This article stands out the relevance of self-awareness dysfunctions in mental disorders and draughts the importance of considering its activity as the main parameter that should be carefully regulated to maintain mental health. It also highlights the role of the inner ear’s vestibular/balance system as a regulatory factor of self-awareness function that allows the integration of sensorial inputs with the perception of the own body movements giving birth to the feeling of unity and ownership, the “me” feeling.

Keywords: Self awareness-mental disorder-insular cortex-vestibular system-behavior.
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