[alpot]

It is theorized that a mismatch between expectation and experience initiates a prediction-error signal that in normal folks is responsible for updating their belief system on how the world works.

In delusions it is proposed that this process of error-dependent updating of beliefs is disrupted. Most likely this occurs through a process whereby the weight (or importance) given to various prediction error signals is sub-optimal (e.g. 6, 7). If prediction error signals are given undue weight then potentially unimportant variances from expectation will become flagged as being highly salient. This in turn would mean that they are given unnecessary influence in updating our belief system. An anomalous experience that would normally not be treated as particularly relevant to understanding how the world works, either because of the unusual context in which it occurred, or its infrequency, would, if this deficit existed, be treated as important enough to warrant a change in the individual’s belief system.

A simplistic approach to correcting the mismatch between experience-expectation could be to prime/flush a person's predicton-error signal circuitry by exposing them to say an experience A (and many deviations thereof A1, A2..A3) and showing them what to expect every time. i.e. (something like machine learning.. or teaching a computer to recognize an image).

Could a delusion be "corrected" by just exposing yourself to the right experience-expectation combinations and thereby updating your belief system.

[Sometimes psychotic]

It's an intersting theory but if you exposed me to many variants of what I saw as a delusion it would likely only increase my belief. Let's say a plane flying over is sufficient...having more planes fly over in more scenarios would only make me feel more monitored not that planes are simply common occurrences.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Why Do Delusions Persist?

You might like this article. So one thing I will say is that the predicted outcome of a delusion never has to even happen and usually it's something secret, and often something that can't be easily proven either way or even provided for exposure. For example if I think I'm receiving psychic communications from other scientists but we aren't allowed to talk about it because it would disrupt the world if they knew of our powers. How do you fix that? I mean in theory I would expect everyone to deny everything and only I can hear the voices. For me my delusions were like that they would simply become more elaborate if anything did register as odd about them.

Originally Posted by alpot

It is theorized that a mismatch between expectation and experience initiates a prediction-error signal that in normal folks is responsible for updating their belief system on how the world works.

In delusions it is proposed that this process of error-dependent updating of beliefs is disrupted. Most likely this occurs through a process whereby the weight (or importance) given to various prediction error signals is sub-optimal (e.g. 6, 7). If prediction error signals are given undue weight then potentially unimportant variances from expectation will become flagged as being highly salient. This in turn would mean that they are given unnecessary influence in updating our belief system. An anomalous experience that would normally not be treated as particularly relevant to understanding how the world works, either because of the unusual context in which it occurred, or its infrequency, would, if this deficit existed, be treated as important enough to warrant a change in the individual’s belief system.

A simplistic approach to correcting the mismatch between experience-expectation could be to prime/flush a person's predicton-error signal circuitry by exposing them to say an experience A (and many deviations thereof A1, A2..A3) and showing them what to expect every time. i.e. (something like machine learning.. or teaching a computer to recognize an image).

Could a delusion be "corrected" by just exposing yourself to the right experience-expectation combinations and thereby updating your belief system.

interesting theory.

[jeppys]

I have always considered myself to be very logical and scientific when weighing certain life variables. I have to say, since psychosis, I have never had such a quantity of unexplainable coincidences and synchronicity in all my life. when something happens before your very eyes or ears it is natural to believe it as that is what our senses are for. emotional states obviously are the biggest contributor to beliefs and thus ones reality. when do I trust my feelings and senses and when do I not?

[Axiom]

I don't think this would have worked for most of my delusions.