Free viewing exploration in schizophrenia: Review of evidence from laboratory settings to natural environment

Abstract

Several studies have investigated visual processing impairment in schizophrenia. The literature on visual exploration has described restricted scanning in schizophrenia patients. This gaze behavior is characterized by increased fixation duration, a reduced scan path length and avoidance of salient features of the face with emotional content. The aim of this paper is to give an insight on the latest update on scan path deficit. Abnormal gaze exploration was replicated in various visual stimuli. This review describes gaze patterns with stimuli that imply minimal to high cognitive process: figures, objects, faces, and scenes. Interestingly, schizophrenia patients have shown cognitive flexibility by modulating gaze scanning when they are involved in an active assignment. We will also consider scanning abnormalities in real-life environment and discuss the potential therapeutic use of eye tracking in schizophrenia. The therapeutic application of eye tracking in schizophrenia is a young emerging field in psychiatry research. The recent remediation program is based on the reorientation of visual attention on the salient features of faces. For now, this program has shown encouraging results. Further studies are needed to explore behavior in real-world situations to complement laboratory measurements to move toward a full understanding of the mechanisms underlying atypical scanning in patients with schizophrenia.

Keywords: Eye movement; Eye tracking; Natural environment; Scanpath; Schizophrenia; Visual exploration.