GET STARTED Neural mechanisms underlying the sense of agency under perceived temporal uncertainty

Distinguishing between self-initiated and externally generated actions and their consequences (sense of agency (SoA)), is fundamental for differentiating between self and environment. Disruptions in this essential neurophysiological function seem to underlie the emergence of psychotic symptoms. Patients with schizophrenia (SZ), for example, frequently report ego disturbances and experiences of external control. The differentiation between self and external input appears not to be binary and to rely on a core neural mechanism enhancing the contrast between internally and externally generated stimuli. In this process, the precise alignment of predicted and actual sensory input, i.e. sensorimotor coincidence detection (sm-CD) is central. This project aims to investigate the neural underpinnings of sm-CD and SoA, through a newly developed experimental paradigm. Healthy participants will be assessed using psychometric instruments and EEG-recordings. The primary objective is determining if this paradigm can reliably quantify the SoA. Upon successful validation, the data will serve as basis for a comprehensive funding application to the German Research Foundation (DFG). This follow-up study will broaden the scope through inclusion of multimodal neuroimaging (EEG and fMRI) and clinical cohorts (SZ patients and patients with derealization and depersonalization symptoms). The extended research proposal will address three key questions: 1. Is there a predictive neural signal for SoA during perceived temporal uncertainty? 2. How is the SoA subjectively experienced during high temporal uncertainty? 3. Is there a difference in the SoA between psychotic and non-psychotic ego disturbances during low and high temporal uncertainty? The anticipated findings will be instrumental in refining our neuromechanistic understanding of self-other differentiation and psychotic symptom formation. Also, the project aims to contribute to the development of a dimensional, neurobiologically informed model of psychosis that captures the continuum from vulnerability to manifest symptoms. This approach aligns closely with transdiagnostic initiatives, including the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) and the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. Ultimately, the project seeks to generate foundational insights that will inform future clinical and translational approaches to early detection, prevention, and intervention across diagnostic boundaries.

Project Duration

01.07.2025-31.12.2025

Project Lead 

Dr. Mike M. Schmitgen