Visual deprivation negatively affects mental health and heightens other senses
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 79/100
Evidence from psychological and neurobiological literature demonstrates that visual and sensory deprivation can impair mental health, trigger cognitive deficits and hallucinations, and foster crossmodal neuroplasticity where other senses adapt or compensate.
Evidence for · 3
Crossmodal Plasticity, Sensory Experience, and Cognition
2024 · cited by 3
Paper [3] indicates that sensory deprivation, such as in congenital blindness or deafness, impacts cognitive processes like working memory and attention.
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More for · 2
Hypervigilance and resistance among palestinian former prisoners.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [6] demonstrates that sensory deprivation used as carceral torture leads to profound psychological distress, hallucinations, and lasting trauma.
Sensory Deprivation and the Brain: Neurobiological Mechanisms, Psychological Effects, and Clinical Implications.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [7] reviews evidence showing that sensory deprivation increases vulnerability to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and cognitive impairment.