An optical illusion could help detect if a person has a serious mental health condition, according to a team of scientists.
The German scientists suggest that the 'hollow mask' video can help determine a schizophrenia diagnosis. Diagnosing the condition is not straight forward as there is no specific test, which can in turn leave sufferers waiting a long time for a formal diagnosis. Figures show that around 685,000 people across Britain currently have the mental health condition.
However, the scientists claim a video can help, with the peculiar clip showing a white face mask rotating in mid air.
The majority of viewers can spot the hollow part in the background of the clip rotating the opposite way, with the nose on the mask looking as if it is pointing out despite actually pointing inwards, reports the Mirror.
The experts suggest that a person with schizophrenia will not be fooled by the illusion.
Even after investigating the illusion, it is unlikely that most be able to make out the back of the mask.
Creators explain that the clip has been designed in such a way to target the way the brain processes visuals as it draws on its own lived experience to conclude the faces point in or out.
"Our top-down processing holds memories, like stock models," Danai Dima of Hannover Medical University said in Journal NeuroImage.
"All the models in our head have a face coming out, so whenever we see a face, of course if has to come out."
The team of scientists explain that a person with schizophrenia are able to see the hollow side of the face as parts of their brains - the sensory and conceptual parts - process things in a different way.
Schizophrenia is a long term mental health condition that can cause a range of psychological symptoms.
According to the NHS, the symptoms can include:
- hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist outside of the mind
- delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality
- muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions
- losing interest in everyday activities
- not caring about your personal hygiene
- wanting to avoid people, including friends
The experts also suggest that a person who is drunk or high may be able to beat the illusion.
It is important to remember that the optical illusion should not be considered an official diagnosis.
If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one you should reach out to a medical professional in order to receive any help or support required.
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