Perception Diagnostic Algorithm and Perceptual Spectrum without Sensory Stimulus: A Tool for Screening Patients

Evidences from various studies through the world reports experiences similar to hallucinations in people without a specific disease. This perception is called extrasensory perception, pseudo hallucination and paranormal cognition in scientific-research texts. The incidence and prevalence of extrasensory perception in different societies and the lack of information in educational programs of health service providers, indicate the necessity of appropriate criteria for diagnosing extrasensory perception from hallucinations and other sensory perception disorders. Differences in the causes and management of these situations increase the necessity of the issue.

Review and qualitative study methods were used in different steps of the study. In the review study, relevant information was collected from scientific sources in the field of psychiatry and psychology and in the field of Islamic philosophy and mysticism. During a series of expert panels and based on documents from review study, different states of perception were identified and a "perceptual diagnostic algorithm and its spectrum without sensory stimulus" were designed.

Perceptual diagnostic algorithm is a tool to distinguish a person with experience of extrasensory perception from people with sensory perception disorders as well as normal sensory perception.Hallucination, extrasensory perception and revelation are categorized as perceptual experiences without the presence of sensory stimuli. These situations Based on these characteristics: awareness of the presence or absence of sensory stimuli, physical and mental health of the experiencer, awareness of the message of perceptual experience forms the spectrum of perception without sensory stimuli.

The use of "perceptual diagnostic algorithm" and its spectrum without sensory stimulus" by physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can meet the need to diagnose various sensory-related conditions in health system.