Summary:

  • Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare condition affecting perception.
  • A study analyzed global research on AIWS, focusing on publication trends and key areas.
  • Data from the Web of Science database until 2019 were used.
  • Findings: Most publications post-2008, primarily in neuropsychiatric medical journals.
  • Institutions leading AIWS research mainly in high-income countries.
  • Key research areas include visual disturbances, body image, migraine, and infections.
  • Limited clinical research on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AIWS was noted.
  • Future emphasis on multidisciplinary and translational investigations is urged.
  • Collaborations across disciplines and regions are crucial for advancing AIWS understanding.
  • The research contributes to global knowledge and practice in managing AIWS.

Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare condition that affects how individuals perceive the world. It is characterized by distorted visual perceptions, changes in body perception, and alterations in the experience of time. Understanding AIWS is crucial for improving clinical practice and developing future treatments despite its rarity. To gain insights into this condition, researchers conducted a study to analyze the global research landscape on AIWS.

How the Study Was Conducted:

Researchers gathered data from the Web of Science database, focusing on publications related to AIWS up until 2019. They used statistical and scientometric tools to analyze various aspects of the research, including publication trends, key research areas, top contributing journals, institutions, and countries involved in AIWS-related research.

Key Findings:

The study analyzed a total of 125 published items. On average, each publication had three authors and received approximately 8.15 citations. Most articles were published after 2008, primarily in medical journals specializing in neuropsychiatric sciences. The institutions leading AIWS research were predominantly located in high-income countries.

Major Research Areas:

Researchers identified several key domains associated with AIWS research, including visual disturbances, body image, migraine, infections, and clinical correlates. However, they noted a relative scarcity of clinical research focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AIWS.

Implications and Future Directions:

The findings of this study shed light on the evolving landscape of AIWS research, particularly in specific regions and specialties. Moving forward, researchers emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary and translational investigations. Collaborations across disciplines and global regions are essential for advancing our understanding and management of AIWS.

Conclusion:

While AIWS remains a rare and relatively understudied condition, research in this area is gradually expanding. By prioritizing collaborative efforts and focusing on clinical and epidemiological aspects, future research endeavours have the potential to significantly contribute to the knowledge and practice of managing AIWS on a global scale.

Reference:

Hossain MM. Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS): a research overview. AIMS Neurosci. 2020 Oct 19;7(4):389-400. doi: 10.3934/Neuroscience.2020024. PMID: 33263077; PMCID: PMC7701374.