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Medicine4Youth
Dec 23, 20213 min read

Overview of Mirror-Touch Synaesthesia


Andy Lu



Introduction

Mirror-Touch Synaesthesia is an uncommon developmental condition that consciously produces sensations on the body by processing the physical actions of others. When someone with this disorder notices a hug, they will feel hugged. When someone is injured, they will feel their pain. Experiences of severe sensations, however, can disrupt daily-life. In addition, due to insufficient research, various gaps in the knowledge of the disorder exist, which holler for answers. Therefore, there are several theories that still need more evidence. One theory, in particular, states that MTS individuals possess a heightened sense of social and cognitive recognition. Researchers primarily focus on this theory in an endeavour to confirm a connection with feelings of empathy.

MTS individuals are theoretically more empathetic than others. According to a study by Cognitive Neuropsychology, MTS patients were presented with a stranger’s face and were “better able to recognize emotions compared with people without the condition.” (Healthline). In contrast, a separate study in the PLOS One journal had different results. The researchers found their participants, who were self-measuring their empathy, did not “connect mirror touch synesthesia with increased empathy,” concluding uncertainty within the research in MTS. These inadequacies in research are also seen in the causes, symptoms, and treatments of MTS.

 

Causes

The first case of MTS was documented in 2005 and only a few have had this disorder. From the University of Delaware, approximately “2 in 100 people have this condition.” It is discovered that when the somatosensory mirror system is hyperactive, people feel what others feel; these receptors are everywhere, connected to our central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, MTS patients’ brains are structured differently and there is an activity increase which affects the processing of sensory information. Researchers theorize genetics may also be a cause.

 

Symptoms / Effects

There are two main subtypes of MTS. The mirror subtype is the most common where sensations are felt on the opposite side of the body while the anatomical subtype is on the same side. For example, mirror subtype is feeling your left arm grabbed when another person has their right arm grabbed. There are several symptoms you may experience with mirror-touch synaesthesia, including pain, pressure, tingling, pressure, and touch. The severity of the symptoms ranges from a gentle nudge to a stabbing pain.

The majority of MTS patients record feelings since childhood. There is no distinct diagnosis and symptoms are self-reported. However, the criteria for a diagnosis include “a synesthetic response or the unconscious sensation of feeling what others you observe are feeling” and “experiencing higher levels of empathy than others” (BetterHelp). It is hopeful that researchers can develop innovative tests and tools that doctors can use to properly diagnose mirror-touch synaesthesia. An innovative example is showing videos of people being touched and observing how the patient responds. Still, this is undeveloped and further research is required.

 

treatments

The perspective of MTS is different across all patients. Some say the condition is an advantage to relate to others on a deeper level. Others disagree due to the negative emotions they might feel, especially pain. No treatment has been discovered in the present to remove the condition. However, therapy is suggested to improve the processing of sensations. Another method of approaching MTS is to create boundaries between people who are being touched. These methods will help reduce concerns and fear in the painful experience of mirror-touch synaesthesia. In addition, emotions such as anxiety and depression from the condition can be suppressed using medication.

 

Conclusion

Mirror-touch synaesthesia is a condition that produces sensations from observations. Due to insufficient research, more information is required for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. However, from what has been discovered, those with MTS have a hyperactive somatosensory mirror system. There is also a potential relationship between empathy and MTS.

 

WORK CITED


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