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Sight is considered the primary sensory modality through which humans interact with and represent the world. However, several studies have indicated that the brain, to a great extent, can still develop its morphological and functional architecture even in the congenital absence of sight (supramodality). Congenital blindness (CB) also causes cross-modal plastic phenomena that sustain alternative routes for perceptual and cognitive processes. While cognitive functions have been extensively investigated in CB, the effects of blindness on psychiatric morbidity remain poorly understood. In fact, CB uniquely dissects the role of vision in psychiatric conditions (PCs) implying visual representations (dysmorphophobia, phobias). This systematic review focuses on studies examining individuals who were either completely blind or had minimal light perception from birth, with the primary objective of exploring the comorbidity between CB and PCs. Following a comprehensive search (Pubmed, Scopus), 783 records were considered eligible for further screening. Preliminary findings indicate a relationship between CB and Schizophrenia (SCZ) and CB and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with other PCs being overlooked. Specifically, evidence suggests a potential protective effect of CB against SCZ, although the rarity of comorbidity cases might also be attributed to the low joint probability of both disorders co-occurring. Also, reported higher ASD prevalence in CB individuals may be influenced by confounding factors. In conclusion, further research is needed to explore the putative influence of CB on the development and maintenance of PCs. Assessing this relationship will shed light on the comprehension of the nature vs nurture role in the genesis of psychopathology.
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