From Cenesthesias to Cenesthopathic Schizophrenia: A Historical and Phenomenological Review

BACKGROUND: Abnormal bodily sensations, 'cenesthesias', are frequently described psychopathological symptoms in schizophrenia. 'Cenesthopathic schizophrenia' is included but undefined within the category 'other schizophrenia' (F20.8) in the ICD-10 classification. METHOD: This narrative review pursues the development of the concept of cenesthopathic schizophrenia, from its foundation in the late 18th century to the present (phenomenology of cenesthesias). It explores its applicability and relevance as a diagnostic entity in psychiatry today. The review is based on a critical reading of papers identified through Medline (1951 to date), Psychinfo (1887 to date) and EMBASE (1974 to date) searches (using subject headings: cenesthesias, cenesthopathy, cenesthopathic schizophrenia) as well as a hand-search of related references in selected papers. RESULTS: Current knowledge supports the notion of a distinct subgroup of schizophrenia patients with marked and dominating abnormal bodily sensations. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is necessary to identify other characteristics of the subgroup, to clarify the neurobiological and psychological basis of the phenomena and to determine as to whether the subgroup benefits from distinct treatment.