Types of Aphantasia
From visual to total aphantasia – the different variations on the spectrum
Aphantasia is not a uniform phenomenon. Depending on which senses are affected and to what extent, research distinguishes several types. About 74% of aphantasics have only visual aphantasia, while 26% have other senses affected as well.
The most common form. Only visual imagery is affected – inner voice, music in the head, and other senses work normally. Affected individuals cannot visualize images, but can mentally generate sounds, smells, or touch sensations.
- No mental images possible (no 'mind's eye')
- Inner voice and inner ear work normally
- Can imagine music and 'hear' it internally
- Factual knowledge and memory are not impaired
Affects two or more senses. Besides visual imagery, auditory (anauralia), olfactory (smells), gustatory (taste), or tactile (touch) imagery may also be limited or impossible.
- At least two sensory modalities affected
- Common: visual + auditory (no inner voice)
- Can also affect smell, taste, and touch
- Different combinations possible
The rarest and most comprehensive form. All sensory modalities are affected – no visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, or tactile imagery possible. Thinking occurs purely conceptually and abstractly.
- No imagery in any sensory modality
- Thinking occurs purely verbally or conceptually
- Dreams can still be sensory (involuntary)
The specific inability to internally imagine sounds, music, or voices. Can occur in isolation or together with visual aphantasia. The term was coined analogous to 'aphantasia'.
- No inner music audible – can't 'play' songs in head
- No inner voice for reading or thinking
- Can occur isolated or with visual aphantasia
Mental imagery exists on a continuum. Aphantasia and hyperphantasia are the extremes – most people fall somewhere in between. VVIQ scores below 32 indicate aphantasia, above 75 indicate hyperphantasia.
Which type do you have?
Our PSIQ test measures your imagery ability across all 7 senses.
Start PSIQ Test