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Watanabe RGS, Thais MERDO, Marmentini EL, Freitas TG, Wolf P, Lin K. Theory of mind in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 158:109910. [PMID: 38959746 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, chronic, and unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy has a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life even if seizures are well controlled. In addition to the distress caused by seizures, patients with epilepsy (PwE) may suffer from cognitive impairment with serious social consequences such as poor interpersonal relationships, loss of employment, and reduced social networks. Pathological changes and functional connectivity abnormalities observed in PwE can disrupt the neural network responsible for the theory of mind. Theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states to other people (intentions, beliefs, and emotions). It is a complex aspect of social cognition and includes cognitive and affective constructs. In recent years, numerous studies have assessed the relationship between social cognition, including the theory of mind, in PwE, and suggested impairment in this domain. Interventions targeting the theory of mind can be potentially helpful in improving the quality of life of PwE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gustavo Sato Watanabe
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Tatiana Goes Freitas
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Peter Wolf
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Katia Lin
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Centre for Applied Neurosciences, UFSC, SC, Brazil
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2
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Nejati V, Sharifian M, Famininejad Z, Salehinejad M, Mahdian S. The neural structures of theory of mind are valence-sensitive: evidence from three tDCS studies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02808-9. [PMID: 39017736 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02808-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Several cortical structures are involved in theory of mind (ToM), including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and the right temporo- parietal junction (rTPJ). We investigated the role of these regions in mind reading with respect to the valence of mental states. Sixty-five healthy adult participants were recruited and received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (1.5 mA, 20 min) with one week interval in three separate studies. The stimulation conditions were anodal tDCS over the dlPFC coupled with cathodal tDCS over the vmPFC, reversed stimulation conditions, and sham in the first study, and anodal tDCS over the vmPFC, or dlPFC, and sham stimulation, with an extracranial return electrode in the second and third study. During stimulation, participants underwent the reading mind from eyes/voice tests (RMET or RMVT) in each stimulation condition. Anodal left dlPFC/cathodal right vmPFC stimulation increased the accuracy of negative mental state attributions, anodal rTPJ decreased the accuracy of negative and neutral mental state attributions, and decreased the reaction time of positive mental state attributions. Our results imply that the neural correlates of ToM are valence-sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Sharifian
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammadali Salehinejad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Shahab Mahdian
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Ogurcakova V, Kajsova M, Marusic P, Amlerova J. Social cognition in Idiopathic generalised epilepsies. Behav Brain Res 2024; 469:115044. [PMID: 38734033 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Social cognition is a set of mental skills necessary to create satisfactory interpersonal relationships and feel a sense of belonging to a social group. Its deficits significantly reduce the quality of life in people with epilepsy. Studies on social cognition and its impairments focus predominantly on people with focal epilepsies. Idiopathic generalised epilepsies are a group of diseases that share similar clinical, prognostic and electrographic characteristics. Despite their typically normal intelligence, people with Idiopathic generalised epilepsies can suffer from learning disabilities and executive dysfunctions. Current studies also suggest social cognition impairments, but their results are inconsistent. This review offers the latest knowledge of social cognition in adults with Idiopathic generalised epilepsies. In addition, we provide an overview of the most frequently used assessment methods. We explain possible reasons for different outcomes and discuss future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Ogurcakova
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, ERN EpiCARE, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michaela Kajsova
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, ERN EpiCARE, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Marusic
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, ERN EpiCARE, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Amlerova
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, ERN EpiCARE, Prague, Czech Republic
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4
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Xiao H, Lang L, Ye Z, Wu J. Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation Modulates Cognitive Theory of Mind in Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2024; 39:1154-1165. [PMID: 38696281 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer others' mental state, is essential for social interaction among human beings. It has been widely reported that both cognitive (inference of knowledge) and affective (inference of emotion) components of ToM are disrupted in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies usually focused on the involvement of the prefrontal cortex. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the causal role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key hub of the fronto-basal ganglia loops, in ToM. METHODS Thirty-four patients with idiopathic PD (15 women, aged 62.2 ± 8.3 years) completed a Yoni task with deep brain stimulation (DBS) ON and OFF. The Yoni task was designed to separate the cognitive and affective components of ToM. Volumes of tissue activated (VTA) were computed for three subregions of the STN. RESULTS DBS showed insignificant effects on ToM inference costs at the group level, which may be due to the large interindividual variability. The associative VTA correlated with the cognitive inference cost change but not the affective inference cost change. Patients with greater associative STN stimulation infer more slowly on cognitive ToM. Stimulating associative STN can adversely affect cognitive ToM in PD patients, especially in patients with a wide range of stimulation (≥0.157) or cognitive decline (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26). CONCLUSIONS The associative STN plays a causal role in cognitive ToM in patients with PD. However, stimulating the associative STN likely impairs cognitive ToM and potentially leads to social interaction deficits in PD. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyun Xiao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liqin Lang
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine and National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Ye
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Le B, Huang Y, Wang L, Hu H, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Lui SSY, Chan RCK. Individuals with high levels of autistic traits exhibit impaired cognitive but not affective theory of mind and empathy. Psych J 2024; 13:486-493. [PMID: 38298152 PMCID: PMC11169754 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM) and empathy are considered key components of social cognition that are often impaired in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, it remains unclear whether individuals with high levels of autistic traits exhibit similar impairments in these two functions. This study examined the affective and cognitive domains of ToM and empathy in individuals with high levels of autistic traits. We recruited 84 participants with high levels and 78 participants with low levels of autistic traits to complete a set of self-reported checklists and performance-based tasks capturing affective and cognitive components of ToM and empathy. The results showed that participants with high levels of autistic traits exhibited significant impairments in cognitive but not in affective ToM and empathy compared with their counterparts with low levels of autistic traits. We also found that empathy impairments in people with high levels of autistic traits were confounded by alexithymia and depressive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei‐lin Le
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yi‐hang Huang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ling‐ling Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hui‐xin Hu
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ya Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jia Huang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Simon S. Y. Lui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Raymond C. K. Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of PsychologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Bosco FM, Colle L, Salvini R, Gabbatore I. A machine-learning approach to investigating the complexity of theory of mind in individuals with schizophrenia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30693. [PMID: 38756573 PMCID: PMC11096895 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulty attributing mental states to themselves and to others - Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM is a complex, multifaceted theoretical construct comprising first and second order, first and third person, egocentric and allocentric perspective, and cognitive and affective ToM. Most studies addressing ToM deficit in people with schizophrenia consider it an "all-or-nothing" ability and use a classical statistical methodology to test a null hypothesis. With the present study, we investigated ToM in individuals with schizophrenia, considering its complex nature and degrees of impairment. To do this, we used a machine-learning approach to detect patterns in heterogeneous and multivariate data. Our findings highlight the complex nature of ToM deficit in individuals with schizophrenia and reveal the relationship between various different aspects of ToM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livia Colle
- University of Turin, Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, Italy
- Terzo Centro di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Roma
| | - Rogerio Salvini
- Instituto de Informática, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ilaria Gabbatore
- University of Turin, Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, Italy
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Fuchs C, Silveira S, Meindl T, Musil R, Austerschmidt KL, Eilert DW, Müller N, Möller HJ, Engel R, Reiser M, Driessen M, Beblo T, Hennig-Fast K. Two Sides of Theory of Mind: Mental State Attribution to Moving Shapes in Paranoid Schizophrenia Is Independent of the Severity of Positive Symptoms. Brain Sci 2024; 14:461. [PMID: 38790440 PMCID: PMC11119087 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment has repeatedly been found in paranoid schizophrenia. The current study aims at investigating whether this is related to a deficit in ToM (undermentalizing) or an increased ToM ability to hyperattribute others' mental states (overmentalizing). METHODS Mental state attribution was examined in 24 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (12 acute paranoid (APS) and 12 post-acute paranoid (PPS)) with regard to positive symptoms as well as matched healthy persons using a moving shapes paradigm. We used 3-T-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to provide insights into the neural underpinnings of ToM due to attributional processes in different states of paranoid schizophrenia. RESULTS In the condition that makes demands on theory of mind skills (ToM condition), in patients with diagnosed schizophrenia less appropriate mental state descriptions have been used, and they attributed mental states less often to the moving shapes than healthy persons. On a neural level, patients suffering from schizophrenia exhibited within the ToM network hypoactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and hyperactivity in the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) as compared to the healthy sample. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate both undermentalizing and hypoactivity in the MPFC and increased overattribution related to hyperactivity in the TPJ in paranoid schizophrenia, providing new implications for understanding ToM in paranoid schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Fuchs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Sarita Silveira
- Institute of Medcial Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Meindl
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Richard Musil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Kim Laura Austerschmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum OWL, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dirk W. Eilert
- Department of Psychology, Leopold-Franzens-University, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Rolf Engel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reiser
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Driessen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum OWL, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Beblo
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum OWL, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kristina Hennig-Fast
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum OWL, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
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Bottiroli S, Rosi A, Lecce S, Sances G, Allena M, De Icco R, Vecchi T, Tassorelli C, Cavallini E. Theory of mind in chronic migraine with medication overuse assessed with the MASC. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6998. [PMID: 38523197 PMCID: PMC10961316 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to infer one's own and others' mental states. Growing research indicates that ToM is impaired in Chronic Migraine with Medication Overuse (CM + MO). However, the research in this field has been conducted using static scenario-based tasks, often failing to test mentalization in everyday situations and measuring only performance accuracy. We filled this gap by administering the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) to subjects with CM + MO compared to episodic migraine (EM). This test allows us to assess both affective and cognitive ToM and which, in addition to being accurate, also analyzes the type of error in attribution of mental states, distinguishing between hypo-mentalization and hyper-mentalization. Thirty patients suffering from CM + MO and 42 from EM were enrolled. Results showed that CM + MO patients were less accurate in mental state attribution than EM. In addition, compared to EM, CM + MO individuals were more impaired in the affective ToM dimensions and committed more errors of hypo-mentalization. In conclusion, the application of MASC in patients with CM + MO allowed for the detection of an alteration in their ability to correctly draw conclusions about other people's mental states. This latter contributes critically to appropriate social reactions and also, possibly, to satisfactory social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottiroli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alessia Rosi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Grazia Sances
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Allena
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Applied Psychology Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, National Neurological Institute, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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9
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O'Connor S, Hevey D, Burke T, Rafee S, Pender N, O'Keeffe F. A Systematic Review of Cognition in Cervical Dystonia. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:134-154. [PMID: 36696021 PMCID: PMC10920436 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09558-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence points to a spectrum of non-motor symptoms, including cognitive difficulties that have a greater impact on functional outcomes and quality of life than motor symptoms in cervical dystonia (CD). Some cognitive impairments have been reported; however, findings are inconsistent, and described across mixed groups of dystonia. The current review aimed to examine the evidence for cognitive impairments in CD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies were included if they met the following criteria (i) cross-sectional or longitudinal studies of adults with CD, (ii) where the results of standardised measures of cognitive or neuropsychological function in any form were assessed and reported, (iii) results compared to a control group or normative data, and (iv) were published in English. Results are presented in a narrative synthesis. Twenty studies were included. Subtle difficulties with general intellectual functioning, processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, visuospatial function, executive function, and social cognition were identified while language, and attention and working memory appear to be relatively spared. Several methodological limitations were identified that should be considered when interpreting the evidence to describe a specific profile of cognitive impairment in CD. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah O'Connor
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - David Hevey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tom Burke
- Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Shameer Rafee
- Department of Neurology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine & Health Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall Pender
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiadhnait O'Keeffe
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Hernandez Pena L, Weidacker K, Massau C, Wetzel K, Brand AL, Weckes K, Opwis M, Schiffer B, Kärgel C. Can people empathize with offenders and victims during violent scenes? Behavioral and brain correlates of affective and cognitive empathy considering victim vs. offender perspective using the Bochumer affective and cognitive empathy task (BACET). Neuropsychologia 2024; 194:108784. [PMID: 38159801 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Empathy is defined as the capacity to resonate with others' emotions and can be subdivided into affective and cognitive components. Few studies have focused on the role of perspective-taking within this ability. Utilizing the novel Bochumer Affective and Cognitive Empathy Task (BACET), the present study aims to determine the characteristics of specific empathy components, as well as the impact of offender vs. victim perspective-taking. A total of 21 male participants (mean age = 30.6) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while watching 60 videos showing two protagonists in neutral (n = 30) or violent interactions (n = 30) thereby adopting the perspective of the (later) offender or victim. Our data show that videos showing emotional (violent) content, compared to those with neutral content, were rated more emotionally negative and induced higher affective empathic involvement, particularly when adopting the victim's perspective compared to the offender's point of view. The correct assignment of people's appropriate emotion (cognitive empathy) was found to be more accurate and faster in the emotional condition relative to the neutral one. However, no significant differences in cognitive empathy performance were observed when comparing victim vs offender conditions. On a neural level, affective empathy processing, during emotional compared to neutral videos, was related to brain areas generally involved in social information processing, particularly in occipital, parietal, insular, and frontal regions. Cognitive aspects of empathy, relative to factual reasoning questions, were located in inferior occipital areas, fusiform gyrus, temporal pole, and frontal cortex. Neural differences were found depending on the perspective, i.e., empathizing with the victim, compared to the offender, during affective empathy activated parts of the right temporal lobe, whereas empathy towards the role of the offender revealed stronger activation in the right lingual gyrus. During cognitive empathy, empathy toward the victim, relative to the offender, enhanced activity of the right supramarginal and left precentral gyri. The opposite contrast did not show any significant differences. We conclude that the BACET can be a useful tool for further studying behavioral and neurobiological underpinnings of affective and cognitive empathy, especially in forensic populations since response patterns point to a significant impact of the observer's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Hernandez Pena
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Institute Brain Structure Function Relationship, Research Center Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Weidacker
- School of Psychology, University of Swansea, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Massau
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Kai Wetzel
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Brand
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Katharina Weckes
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Mareile Opwis
- Department of Health Psychology, Distance University Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Boris Schiffer
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Kärgel
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
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11
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Yeung EKL, Apperly IA, Devine RT. Measures of individual differences in adult theory of mind: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105481. [PMID: 38036161 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to understand and reason about mental states, has been extensively studied in young children and clinical populations. A growing interest in examining ToM in adults has emerged over the past two decades, but the extent to which existing measures are suitable for studying adults, especially in detecting individual differences, remains understudied. In this systematic review of 273 studies, 75 measures used to investigate individual differences in adults' ToM were identified. Their sensitivity to individual differences, reliability, and validity were examined. Results suggest that ceiling effects were prevalent, and there was limited evidence to establish the reliability or validity of these measures due to the lack of reports of psychometric properties. Interrelations among measures were inconsistent. These findings highlight the need for future empirical and theoretical work to broaden the evidence base regarding psychometric properties of measures, to develop new measures, and to lay out more specific hypotheses about the relevance of ToM for different social outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Kit Ling Yeung
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian A Apperly
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Rory T Devine
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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García I, Martínez O, López-Paz JF, García M, Rodríguez AA, Amayra I. Difficulties in social cognitive functioning among pediatric patients with muscular dystrophies. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1296532. [PMID: 38239460 PMCID: PMC10794305 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1296532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pediatric muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. A neuropsychosocial approach is crucial for these patients due to associated cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric comorbidities; however, the social cognitive domain has not been adequately addressed. Methods This study aimed to analyze on social cognition performance in a pediatric MD patient cohort. This cross-sectional study included 32 pediatric patients with MD and 32 matched-healthy controls. The Social Perception Domain of the NEPSY-II, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test-Child and Happé's Strange Stories Test were administered. General intelligence and behavioral and emotional symptoms were controlled for to eliminate covariables' possible influence. The assessments were performed remotely. Results Children with MDs performed significantly worse on most of the social cognition tasks. The differences found between the groups could be explained by the level of general intelligence for some aspects more related to theory of mind (ToM) (TM NEPSY-II: F = 1.703, p = .197; Verbal task: F = 2.411, p = .125; RMET-C: F = 2.899, p = .094), but not for emotion recognition. Furthermore, these differences were also independent of behavioral and emotional symptoms. Discussion In conclusion, social cognition is apparently impaired in pediatric patients with MD, both for emotion recognition and ToM. Screening assessment in social cognition should be considered to promote early interventions aimed at improving these patient's quality of life.
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Xue J, Li B, Huang B, Feng H, Li X, Liang S, Yuan F, Wang S, Shi H, Shao J, Shi Y. Sex-dependent and long-lasting effects of adolescent sleep deprivation on social behaviors in adult mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 232:173657. [PMID: 37804868 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that sleep deprivation (SD) can exert multiple negative effects on neuronal circuits, resulting in memory impairment, depression, and anxiety, among other consequences. The long-term effects of SD during early life on behavioral phenotypes in adulthood are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the long-lasting effects of SD in adolescence on social behaviors, including empathic ability and social dominance, and the role of the gut microbiota in these processes, using a series of behavioral paradigms in mice combined with 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Behavioral assay results showed that SD in adolescence significantly reduced the frequency of licking, the total time spent licking, and the time spent sniffing during the emotional contagion test in male mice, effects that were not observed in female mice. These findings indicated that SD in adolescence exerts long-term, negative effects on empathic ability in mice and that this effect is sex-dependent. In contrast, SD in adolescence had no significant effect on locomotor activities, social dominance but decreased social interaction in male mice in adulthood. Meanwhile, 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing results showed that gut microbial richness and diversity were significantly altered in adult male mice subjected to SD in adolescence. Our data provide direct evidence that SD in youth can induce alterations in empathic ability in adult male mice, which may be associated with changes in the gut microbiota. These findings highlight the long-lasting effects of sleep loss in adolescence on social behaviors in adulthood and the role played by the brain-gut axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Xue
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Bingyu Li
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Boya Huang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Shihao Liang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Fang Yuan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Haishui Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Nursing School, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China.
| | - Juan Shao
- Department of Senile Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
| | - Yun Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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Wu Y, Song S, Shen Y. Characteristics of theory of mind impairment and its relationship with clinical symptoms and neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:711. [PMID: 37784072 PMCID: PMC10544361 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a mental disorder that can cause severe disability, including impairment of social cognition, which is considered a core feature of SCZ, and the Theory of Mind (ToM) is a core component of social cognition. Although many studies have confirmed the presence of ToM impairment in patients with SCZ, its characteristics in terms of different orders (first-order and second-order) and components remain unclear, and no studies have investigated the independent correlations between such impairment and clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of ToM impairment in patients with SCZ. METHODS This study included 30 patients with SCZ and 30 healthy controls who were matched for age, sex, and level of education. The clinical symptoms of the patients with SCZ were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and the neurocognitive ability of the subjects was evaluated using the Trail Making Test, Symbol Coding Test, and Digit Span Test. The degree of ToM impairment of the subjects at different stages (first- and second-order) and for individual components was evaluated using the Yoni task. Latent profile analysis and network analysis were conducted to identify and analyze the potential ToM performance types, and independent correlations were assessed between ToM impairment and clinical symptoms. RESULTS The patients with SCZ exhibited significant first-order and second-order impairment (P < 0.05), and the second-order affective ToM component was mainly reflected by complex affective states (P = 0.003). The latent profile analysis revealed that ToM impairments in patients with SCZ could be classified into groups with complete, second-order, and comprehensive defects, whereas it was impossible to classify patients according to differences in the cognitive and affective ToM components. The Network analysis demonstrated that the cognitive component of ToM was associated with positive symptoms, whereas the affective ToM component was associated with negative symptoms. CONCLUSION Patients with SCZ exhibited differences in order levels and ToM impairments, as well as different defect types. In addition, cognitive and affective ToM components may be related to different psychotic symptoms; therefore, understanding these differences could promote the rehabilitation of patients with SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56 South Xinjian Road, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Song Song
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56 South Xinjian Road, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yueqi Shen
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, No. 56 South Xinjian Road, Taiyuan, 030001, China
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Gatti D, Stagnitto SM, Basile C, Mazzoni G, Vecchi T, Rinaldi L, Lecce S. Individual differences in theory of mind correlate with the occurrence of false memory: A study with the DRM task. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2023; 76:2107-2121. [PMID: 36245220 DOI: 10.1177/17470218221135178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although long-term memory and Theory of Mind (ToM) are closely related across the whole lifespan, little is known about the relationship between ToM and semantic memory. Clinical studies have documented the co-occurrence of ToM impairments and semantic memory abnormalities in individuals with autism or semantic dementia. However, to date, no study has directly investigated the existence of a relationship between ToM and semantic memory in the typical population. We addressed this gap on a sample of 103 healthy adults (M age = 22.96 years; age range = 19-35 years). Participants completed a classical false memory task tapping on semantic processes, the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task, and two ToM tasks, the Triangles and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes task. They also completed the vocabulary scale from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Results showed that participants' semantic performance in the DRM task was significantly related to that in the Triangles task. Specifically, the higher participants' ToM in the Triangles task, the higher participants' reliance on semantic memory while making false memories in the DRM task. Our findings are consistent with the Fuzzy Trace Theory and the Weak Central Coherence account and suggest that a (partially) common cognitive process responsible for global versus detailed-focus information processing could underlie these two abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Gatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Basile
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuliana Mazzoni
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Joseph Fortuny J, Navarra-Ventura G, Fernández-Gonzalo S, Pousa Tomàs E, Crosas Armengol JM, Palao Vidal D, Jodar Vicente M. Social cognition in first-episode schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder patients. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 16:169-174. [PMID: 32499122 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with schizophrenia have neurocognitive as well as social cognition deficits. Numerous studies have shown impairment in these domains in patients with chronic schizophrenia. However, these disturbances during the early phase of the disease have been less studied. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to explore the theory of mind (ToM) and emotional processing in first-episode patients, compared to healthy subjects. METHOD Forty patients with a first psychotic episode of less than 5 years' duration, and 40 healthy control subjects matched by age and years of schooling were assessed. The measures of social cognition included four stories of false belief, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Pictures Of Facial Affect (POFA) series. RESULTS The patients with a first psychotic episode performed significantly worse in all tasks of social cognition, compared to the healthy controls. The second-order ToM was impaired whereas the first-order ToM was preserved in the patients. Happiness was the emotion most easily identified by both patients and controls. Fear was most difficult for the patients, while for the controls it was disgust. CONCLUSIONS Deficits in ToM and emotional processing are present in patients with a first psychotic episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Joseph Fortuny
- Departamento de Psicología Clínica y de la Salud, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, International Excellence Campus Bellaterra, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Guillem Navarra-Ventura
- Departamento Salud Mental, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Sol Fernández-Gonzalo
- Departamento de Psicología Clínica y de la Salud, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, International Excellence Campus Bellaterra, Barcerlona, Spain; Departamento de Investigación, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Pousa Tomàs
- Departamento Salud Mental, Hospital del Mar, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcerlona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Crosas Armengol
- Departamento Salud Mental, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Diego Palao Vidal
- Departamento Salud Mental, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Psiquiatría y Medicina Forense, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, International Excellence Campus Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Jodar Vicente
- Departamento de Psicología Clínica y de la Salud, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, International Excellence Campus Bellaterra, Barcerlona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Departamento Neurología, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Sanitària Parc Taulí (I3PT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain.
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Fekete J, Pótó Z, Varga E, Hebling D, Herold M, Albert N, Pethő B, Tényi T, Herold R. The effect of reading literary fiction on the theory of mind skills among persons with schizophrenia and normal controls. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1197677. [PMID: 37351004 PMCID: PMC10282181 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent research data suggest that theory of mind (ToM) skills may improve after reading literary fiction. However, beside this short term favorable effect, regular long-term reading of literary fiction may also support ToM development or may improve ToM performance. The presence of impaired ToM abilities is well-documented in schizophrenia; however, the role of reading in these deficits is unknown. In the present study our aim was to assess the effect of prior reading experiences on theory of mind performance in patients with schizophrenia, and in healthy controls. Materials and methods ToM assessment was done with the Short Story Task, which is based on the interpretation of a Hemingway short story. After reading the short story, questions were asked in an interview format regarding comprehension, explicit and implicit ToM skills, then comparative analysis of schizophrenia patients was performed (n = 47) and matched to a normal control (n = 48) group concerning deficits of ToM abilities. Participants were also stratified according to their prior reading experiences. Results Previous reading experience was associated with better comprehension and explicit ToM performance both in patients with schizophrenia, and in healthy controls. However, the explicit ToM performance of patients with prior reading was still weaker compared to healthy controls with reading experiences. Path model analysis revealed that reading had a direct positive effect on ToM, and an indirect effect through improving comprehension. Conclusions Prior reading experience is associated with better ToM performance not just in healthy controls but also in patients living with schizophrenia. Previous reading experience also improves comprehension, which in turn has a favorable impact on ToM. Our results support the idea that literary fiction reading may have a therapeutic potential in the rehabilitation of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Fekete
- Department of Languages for Biomedical Purposes and Communication, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Pótó
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Varga
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Hebling
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márton Herold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Noémi Albert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Borbála Pethő
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tényi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Herold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Bottiroli S, Rosi A, Sances G, Allena M, De Icco R, Lecce S, Vecchi T, Tassorelli C, Cavallini E. Social cognition in chronic migraine with medication overuse: a cross-sectional study on different aspects of mentalization and social relationships. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:47. [PMID: 37106347 PMCID: PMC10139829 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognition refers to all mental operations to decipher information needed in social interactions. Here we aimed to outline the socio-cognitive profile of Chronic Migraine with Medication Overuse (CM + MO), given they are recognized to be at risk of socio-cognitive difficulties. Given the multidimensionality of this construct, we considered: (1) socio-cognitive abilities, (2) socio-cognitive beliefs, (3) alexithymia and autism traits, and (4) social relationships. METHODS Seventy-one patients suffering from CM + MO, 61 from episodic migraine (EM), and 80 healthy controls (HC) were assessed with a comprehensive battery: (1) the Faux Pas test (FP), the Strange Stories task (SS), the Reading Mind in the Eyes test (RMET), (2) the Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale, (3) the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Autism Spectrum Quotient, (4) the Lubben Social Network Scale, the Friendship Scale. RESULTS CM + MO: (1) performed similar to EM but worse than HC in the FP and SS, while they were worse than EM and HC in the RMET; (2) were similar to EM and HC in social intelligence; (3) had more alexithymic/autistic traits than EM and HC; (4) reported higher levels of contact with their family members but felt little support from the people around them than HC. CONCLUSIONS CM + MO results characterized by a profile of compromised socio-cognitive abilities that affects different dimensions. These findings may have a relevant role in multiple fields related to chronic headache: from the assessment to the management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottiroli
- Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy.
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alessia Rosi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto De Icco
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Yilmaz G, Yildirim EA, Tabakcı AS. Comparison of Social-Evaluative Anxiety and Theory of Mind Functions in Social Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Healthy Controls. Psychopathology 2023; 56:440-452. [PMID: 37062284 DOI: 10.1159/000529880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the similarities in poor social competence and clinical manifestations of poor social behavior, no study has compared the theory of mind performance between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and schizophrenia, considering the effect of social-evaluative anxiety and neurocognitive functions. In our study, we aimed to compare the theory of mind functions and social-evaluative anxiety between patients with SAD and schizophrenia and healthy controls and to examine the relationship between the theory of mind, neurocognitive skills, and social-evaluative anxiety. METHODS Thirty-four consecutive patients with schizophrenia, 29 patients with SAD, and 30 controls matched by age, education level, and sex were enrolled in the study. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM, Beck Depression Inventory, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Theory of Mind measures (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Hinting Task, Faux Pas Test), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale, Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale, Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-Short Form, and neuropsychological tests were administered to all participants. RESULTS A greater significant deterioration in theory of mind and neurocognitive functions was found in patients with schizophrenia compared to those with SAD and healthy controls. Social evaluation anxiety was highest in patients with SAD. Although social-evaluative anxiety was associated with the theory of mind function in schizophrenia, only fear of positive evaluation was associated with SAD. In all groups, neither theory of mind nor neurocognitive ability measures were correlated with social anxiety levels and related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The impaired theory of mind functioning detected in our study is more prominent in the schizophrenia group and largely independent of anxiety in schizophrenia and SAD. Although social evaluation anxiety, as a transdiagnostic concept, seems to be independent of theory of mind function in general, fear of positive evaluation seems to be associated with hinting in both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkem Yilmaz
- Private Practice, Psychiatry Department, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ejder Akgun Yildirim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Outpatient Clinic, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdulkadir Sencer Tabakcı
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Outpatient Clinic, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey
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Massalha Y, Maggioni E, Callari A, Brambilla P, Delvecchio G. A review of resting-state fMRI correlations with executive functions and social cognition in bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:337-351. [PMID: 37003435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in executive functions (EF) and social cognition (SC) are often observed in bipolar disorder (BD), leading to a severe impairment in engaging a functional interaction with the others and the surrounding environment. Therefore, in recent years, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies on BD tried to identify the neural underpinnings of these cognitive domains by exploring the association between the intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) and the scores in clinical scales evaluating these domains. METHODS A bibliographic search on PubMed and Scopus of studies evaluating the correlations between rs-fMRI findings and EF and/or SC in BD was conducted until March 2022. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Overall, the results of the reviewed studies showed that BD patients had FC deficits compared to healthy controls (HC) in selective resting-state networks involved in EF and SC, which include the default mode network, especially the link between medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, and the sensory-motor network. Finally, it also emerged the predominant role of alterations in prefrontal connections in explaining the cognitive deficits in BD patients. LIMITATIONS The heterogeneity of the reviewed studies, in terms of cognitive domains explored and neuroimaging acquisitions, limited the comparability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS rs-fMRI studies could help deepen the brain network alterations underlying EF and SC deficits in BD, pointing the attention on the neuronal underpinning of cognition, whose knowledge may lead to the development of new neurobiological-based approaches to improve the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Massalha
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maggioni
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Callari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Cucciniello I, Sangiovanni S, Maggi G, Rossi S. Mind Perception in HRI: Exploring Users' Attribution of Mental and Emotional States to Robots with Different Behavioural Styles. Int J Soc Robot 2023; 15:867-877. [PMID: 37251279 PMCID: PMC10040176 DOI: 10.1007/s12369-023-00989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Theory of Mind is crucial to understand and predict others' behaviour, underpinning the ability to engage in complex social interactions. Many studies have evaluated a robot's ability to attribute thoughts, beliefs, and emotions to humans during social interactions, but few studies have investigated human attribution to robots with such capabilities. This study contributes to this direction by evaluating how the cognitive and emotional capabilities attributed to the robot by humans may be influenced by some behavioural characteristics of robots during the interaction. For this reason, we used the Dimensions of Mind Perception questionnaire to measure participants' perceptions of different robot behaviour styles, namely Friendly, Neutral, and Authoritarian, which we designed and validated in our previous works. The results obtained confirmed our hypotheses because people judged the robot's mental capabilities differently depending on the interaction style. Particularly, the Friendly is considered more capable of experiencing positive emotions such as Pleasure, Desire, Consciousness, and Joy; conversely, the Authoritarian is considered more capable of experiencing negative emotions such as Fear, Pain, and Rage than the Friendly. Moreover, they confirmed that interaction styles differently impacted the perception of the participants on the Agency dimension, Communication, and Thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Cucciniello
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Sangiovanni
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Maggi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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22
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Thibaudeau E, Rae J, Raucher-Chéné D, Bougeard A, Lepage M. Disentangling the Relationships Between the Clinical Symptoms of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Theory of Mind: A Meta-analysis. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:255-274. [PMID: 36244001 PMCID: PMC10016420 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Previous studies have suggested links between clinical symptoms and theory of mind (ToM) impairments in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), but it remains unclear whether some symptoms are more strongly linked to ToM than others. STUDY DESIGN A meta-analysis (Prospero; CRD42021259723) was conducted to quantify and compare the strength of the associations between ToM and the clinical symptoms of SSD (Positive, Negative, Cognitive/Disorganization, Depression/Anxiety, Excitability/Hostility). Studies (N = 130, 137 samples) including people with SSD and reporting a correlation between clinical symptoms and ToM were retrieved from Pubmed, PsycNet, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Proquest, WorldCat, and Open Gray. Correlations for each dimension and each symptom were entered into a random-effect model using a Fisher's r-to-z transformation and were compared using focused-tests. Publication bias was assessed with the Rosenthal failsafe and by inspecting the funnel plot and the standardized residual histogram. STUDY RESULTS The Cognitive/Disorganization (Zr = 0.28) and Negative (Zr = 0.24) dimensions revealed a small to moderate association with ToM, which was significantly stronger than the other dimensions. Within the Cognitive/Disorganization dimension, Difficulty in abstract thinking (Zr = 0.36) and Conceptual disorganization (Zr = 0.39) showed the strongest associations with ToM. The association with the Positive dimension (Zr = 0.16) was small and significantly stronger than the relationship with Depression/Anxiety (Zr = 0.09). Stronger associations were observed between ToM and clinical symptoms in younger patients, those with an earlier age at onset of illness and for tasks assessing a combination of different mental states. CONCLUSIONS The relationships between Cognitive/Disorganization, Negative symptoms, and ToM should be considered in treating individuals with SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Thibaudeau
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jesse Rae
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill University, Department of Psychology, Montreal, Canada
| | - Delphine Raucher-Chéné
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Cognition, Health, and Society Laboratory (EA 6291), University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
- Academic Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Reims, EPSM Marne, Reims, France
| | | | - Martin Lepage
- McGill University, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
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23
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The complexity of theory of mind deficit in schizophrenia: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a longitudinal schizophrenia study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 233:103842. [PMID: 36701860 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of trials have supported the functional significance of Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment in schizophrenia. However, the nature and the extent of the impairment are still unclear. Reviews on the topic suggest that, in many cases, studies use only one tool to assess the levels of difficulty in the field, limiting the validity of the measurement to one aspect of ToM. On the other hand, the divergence of the used assessment tools makes it hard to compare the result of these studies. Thus, we decided to use additional assessment tools to evaluate the extent of ToM in order to describe several aspects of the phenomenon. A hierarchical cluster analysis of variables was used on a sample of 68 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, to determine the similarity between variances of the assessed ToM subcomponents. Further cross-sectional correlational analysis was then performed to investigate the association between the identified clusters and other used measures (e.g.: neurocognition). The statistical analysis supported a five-cluster model. Identified clusters illustrate the difference between Hypo and HyperToM as well as the degree of ToM task complexity, allowing for a more accurate description of the nature of ToM deficit in schizophrenia.
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24
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Olivito G, Siciliano L, Clausi S, Lupo M, Baiocco R, Gragnani A, Saettoni M, Delle Chiaie R, Laghi F, Leggio M. The Cerebellum Gets Social: Evidence from an Exploratory Study of Cerebellar, Neurodevelopmental, and Psychiatric Disorders. Biomedicines 2023; 11:309. [PMID: 36830846 PMCID: PMC9953169 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Social prediction is a key feature of social cognition (SC), a function in which the modulating role of the cerebellum is recognized. Accordingly, cerebellar alterations are reported in cerebellar pathologies, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric conditions that show SC deficits. Nevertheless, to date, no study has directly compared populations representative of these three conditions with respect to SC and cerebellar alterations. Therefore, the present exploratory study aimed to compare the SC profiles of individuals with cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders (CB), autism (ASD), bipolar disorder type 2 (BD2), or healthy subjects (HS) using a battery of social tests requiring different degrees of prediction processing. The patterns of cerebellar gray matter (GM) alterations were compared among the groups using voxel-based morphometry. Compared to HS, the clinical groups showed common SC deficits in tasks involving a moderate to high level of prediction. The behavioral results of the clinical groups are consistent with the presence of overlapping GM reduction in cerebellar right Crus II, an area notably involved in complex social processing and prediction. Although exploratory and preliminary, these results deepen the cerebellar role in social prediction and highlight the transdiagnostic value of the cerebellum in social functioning and prediction in pathologies of different aetiologies, forecasting novel possibilities for shared interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Libera Siciliano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Clausi
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Klinikos Center for Psychodiagnostics and Psychotherapy, Viale delle Milizie 38, 00192 Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Lupo
- Servizio di Tutela della Salute Mentale e Riabilitazione dell’Età Evolutiva ASL, Roma 2, 00145 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Gragnani
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
- Associazione Psicologia Cognitiva (APC)/Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva (SPC), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Saettoni
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
- Unità Funzionale Salute Mentale Adulti ASL Toscana Nord-Ovest Valle del Serchio, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Delle Chiaie
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health–Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
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25
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Goh KK, Lu ML. Relationship between the domains of theory of mind, social dysfunction, and oxytocin in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:420-429. [PMID: 36182771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Social dysfunction, manifested by impaired social cognition, is contributing to poorer prognosis of patients with schizophrenia. Growing evidence indicates that oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of social cognition. It still lacks a thorough understanding of how oxytocin is linked with deficits in social cognition and social functioning in schizophrenia. To this end, we aimed to study the role of plasma oxytocin levels in the relationship between subdomains of social cognition and social dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. Social Functioning Scale was administered to measure social dysfunction while Faux Pas Recognition Test was used to assess the Theory of Mind (ToM) in 40 patients with schizophrenia and 40 age-matched healthy controls. Patients with schizophrenia exhibited more deficits in ToM, more severe social dysfunction, and had lower plasma oxytocin levels, relative to healthy controls. A pooled correlation analysis of all participants revealed significant effects of plasma oxytocin levels on the ToM and social dysfunction. In patients with schizophrenia, plasma oxytocin levels were positively correlated with the affective but not cognitive component of the ToM, and the effects of plasma oxytocin levels on social functioning were partially mediated by affective ToM. Our findings underscore the importance of oxytocin as a potential predictor of ToM and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. It may be worthwhile for future studies of oxytocin in schizophrenia to focus on an affected behavioral domain, e.g., social cognition, rather than diagnosis, and the targeted domain should be deconstructed into more detailed subdomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Kheng Goh
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Liang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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26
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Wang H, Zhang S, Wu S, Qin S, Liu C. Cortisol awakening response and testosterone jointly affect adolescents' theory of mind. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105258. [PMID: 36116196 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period for the maturation of neurobiological processes and hormone secretion. Recent studies on the dual-hormone hypothesis have indicated that basal cortisol and testosterone jointly affect dominant and aggressive behavior among adolescents and adults. Whether this hypothesis applies to prosocial-related understanding of others' mental states remains unclear. The present study investigated associations between basal testosterone, basal cortisol (and cortisol awakening response [CAR]), and the cognitive/affective theory of mind (ToM) in 243 adolescents (67.9 % male, aged 14 to 17 years, Mage = 16.09, standard deviation = 0.62). Cognitive ToM (cToM) and affective ToM (aToM) were assessed with a cartoon story reasoning task: In the cToM condition, participants viewed a comic strip story and needed to predict what would happen based on a character's intentions, and in the aToM condition, they viewed a comic strip of two characters interacting and needed to think about what would make the protagonist feel better. The results showed that basal testosterone and basal cortisol did not interact with each other to affect the performance of ToM, either in terms of ToM accuracy or response speed. However, under the condition of low CAR, testosterone is associated with the fast performance of cToM, although the interaction of testosterone and CAR occurred only in female adolescents. Overall, our data provide new evidence for the dual-hormone hypothesis and further extend the hypothesis to social understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huagen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Sihui Zhang
- Department of General Adult Psychiatry, Heidelberg University, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Shaozheng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China.
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China.
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27
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Herms EN, Bolbecker AR, Wisner KM. Emotion regulation and delusion-proneness relate to empathetic tendencies in a transdiagnostic sample. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:992757. [PMID: 36226099 PMCID: PMC9548608 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.992757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Empathetic tendencies (i.e., perspective taking and empathic concern) are a key factor in interpersonal relationships, which may be impacted by emotion regulation (i.e., reappraisal and suppression) and mental health symptoms, such as psychotic-like experiences. However, it is unclear if certain psychotic-like experiences, such as delusion-proneness, are still associated with reduced empathetic tendencies after accounting for emotion regulation style and dimensions of psychopathology that are often comorbid. In the current study, linear models tested these associations in a transdiagnostic community sample (N = 128), using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Peter's Delusion Inventory. Results indicated that perspective taking was positively associated with reappraisal and negatively associated with delusion-proneness, after controlling for age, sex, race, intelligence, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. A significant change in R 2 supported the addition of delusion-proneness in this model. Specificity analyses demonstrated perspective taking was also negatively associated with suppression, but this relationship did not remain after accounting for the effects of reappraisal and delusion-proneness. Additional specificity analyses found no association between empathic concern and reappraisal or delusion-proneness but replicated previous findings that empathic concern was negatively associated with suppression. Taken together, delusion-proneness accounts for unique variance in perspective taking, which can inform future experimental research and may have important implications for psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma N. Herms
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Amanda R. Bolbecker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Krista M. Wisner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program of Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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28
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Altavilla D, Adornetti I, Chiera A, Deriu V, Acciai A, Ferretti F. Introspective self-narrative modulates the neuronal response during the emphatic process: an event-related potentials (ERPs) study. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2725-2738. [PMID: 36066588 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is the ability to perceive and understand others' emotional states generating a similar mental state in the self. Previous behavioural studies have shown that self-reflection can enhance the empathic process. The present event-related potentials' study aims to investigate whether self-reflection, elicited by an introspective self-narrative task, modulates the neuronal response to eye expressions and improves the accuracy of empathic process. The 29 participants included in the final sample were divided into two groups: an introspection group (IG) (n = 15), who received an introspective writing task, and a control group (CG) (n = 14), who completed a not-introspective writing task. For both groups, the electroencephalographic and behavioural responses to images depicting eye expressions taken from the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Theory of Mind test were recorded pre- (T0) and post- (T1) 7 days of writing. The main result showed that only the IG presented a different P300 amplitude in response to eye expressions at T1 compared to T0 on the left centre-frontal montage. No significant results on accuracy at T1 compared to T0 were found. These findings seem to suggest that the introspective writing task modulates attention and implicit evaluation of the socio-emotional stimuli. Results are discussed with reference to the hypothesis that such neuronal modulation is linked to an increase in the embodied simulation process underlying affective empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Altavilla
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ines Adornetti
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Chiera
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Deriu
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Acciai
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, "Roma Tre" University, Via Ostiense, 234 00146, Rome, Italy
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29
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Sahl AC, Rognlien HF, Andreassen OA, Melle I, Ueland T, Vaskinn A. Theory of mind in schizophrenia: a comparison of subgroups with low and high IQ. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 77:329-335. [PMID: 35916656 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2106512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognitive impairment is common in schizophrenia, but it is unclear if it is present in individuals with high IQ. This study compared theory of mind (ToM) in schizophrenia participants with low or high IQ to healthy controls. METHODS One hundred and nineteen participants (71 healthy controls, 17 high IQ (IQ ≥115), and 31 low IQ (IQ ≤95) schizophrenia participants) were assessed with the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition, providing scores for total, cognitive, and affective ToM, along with overmentalizing, undermentalizing, and no-mentalizing errors. IQ was measured with Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence; clinical symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS Healthy controls performed better than the low IQ schizophrenia group for all ToM scores, and better than the high IQ schizophrenia group for the total score and under- and no-mentalizing errors. The high IQ group made fewer overmentalizing errors and had better total and cognitive ToM than the low IQ group. Their number of overmentalizing errors was indistinguishable from healthy controls. CONCLUSION Global ToM impairment was present in the low IQ schizophrenia group. Overmentalizing was not present in the high IQ group and appears related to lower IQ. Intact higher-level reasoning may prevent the high IQ group from making overmentalizing errors, through self-monitoring or inhibition. We propose that high IQ patients are chiefly impaired in lower-level ToM, whereas low IQ patients also have impaired higher-level ToM. Conceivably, this specific impairment could help explain the lower functioning reported in persons with intact IQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- André C Sahl
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henning F Rognlien
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Ueland
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja Vaskinn
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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30
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Liang YS, Zhou SZ, Zhang YJ, Cai XL, Wang Y, Cheung EFC, Lui SSY, Yu X, Madsen KH, Ma YT, Chan RCK. Altered empathy-related resting-state functional connectivity in patients with bipolar disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:839-848. [PMID: 34282469 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is the ability to generate emotional responses (i.e., cognitive empathy) and to make cognitive inferences (i.e., affective empathy) to other people's emotions. Empirical evidence suggests that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) exhibit impairment in cognitive empathy, but findings on affective empathy are inconsistent. Few studies have examined the neural mechanisms of cognitive and affective empathy in patients with BD. In this study, we examined the empathy-related resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in BD patients. Thirty-seven patients with BD and 42 healthy controls completed the self-report Questionnaires of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE), the Yoni behavioural task, and resting-sate fMRI brain scans. Group comparison of empathic ability was conducted. The interactions between group and empathic ability on seed-based whole brain rsFC were examined. BD patients scored lower on the Online Simulation subscale of the QCAE and showed positive correlations between cognitive empathy and the rsFC of the dorsal Medial Prefrontal Cortex (dmPFC) with the lingual gyrus. The correlations between cognitive empathy and the rsFC of the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) with the fusiform gyrus, the cerebellum and the parahippocampus were weaker in BD patients than that in healthy controls. These findings highlight the underlying neural mechanisms of empathy impairments in BD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Si Liang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Zhe Zhou
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, 51 Huayuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Jing Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Lu Cai
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon S Y Lui
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, 51 Huayuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kristoffer H Madsen
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China.,Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yan-Tao Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, 51 Huayuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China. .,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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31
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Quattropani MC, Geraci A, Lenzo V, Sardella A, Schimmenti A. Failures in Reflective Functioning, Dissociative Experiences, and Eating Disorder: a Study On a Sample of Italian Adolescents. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:365-374. [PMID: 35600515 PMCID: PMC9120272 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although impairments in mentalizing and dissociation have been linked to the onset of eating disorders, there is still a paucity of studies investigating their relationships among adolescents. This study aimed at investigating the role of failures in reflective functioning and dissociation in predicting the risk of eating disorders during adolescence. The Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), and the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale (A-DES) were administered to a sample of 427 adolescents between 13 and 20 years old. Results of correlational analysis showed that the risk of eating disorders was positively correlated with uncertainty about mental states. Eating disorder risk was also inversely correlated with certainty about mental states. Dissociation scores and its domain scores were all positively related to the risk of eating disorders. Results of regression analysis displayed that uncertainty about mental states and dissociation were statistically significant predictors of an increased risk of eating disorders. Gender and BMI were also significant predictors in the final model, which explained 24% of the variance. Regarding the specific dissociative domains, findings indicate that the depersonalization/derealization factor was the only significant predictor for the risk of eating disorder. The present study points out that uncertainty about mental states and dissociation could play a relevant role in increasing the risk of eating disorders during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Geraci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences of the Mediterranean Area, University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Alberto Sardella
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE – Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
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Zonp Z, Bilgin H. The effectiveness of metacognitive training on impairments in social cognition in patients with schizophrenia: mental health nursing practice in a community mental health center. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:295-306. [PMID: 34428118 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1965653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognition is an independent structure from the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and contributes to negative symptoms, neurocognitive impairment, and social functioning. AIM To examine the effectiveness of the metacognitive training intervention on social cognition in people with schizophrenia. DESIGN This study was conducted as a randomized quasi-experimental (pre-test/post-test and follow-up) design with a control group. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with schizophrenia were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 19) or the metacognitive training group (n = 20). A 10-week metacognitive training program was offered to the intervention group. The study involved a pre-test/post-test design with a 3-month follow-up assessment. The primary outcome was social cognition, as measured by the Facial Emotion Discrimination/Identification Tests, Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, and Attributional Style Questionnaire. The secondary outcome was measured by the metacognitive training subjective efficacy form. RESULTS Completion at follow-up was high (92.3%). The results show that the changes over time in the False Belief Task 1st level, Attributional Style Questionnaire negative events global-specific dimension, and positive events stable-unstable dimension mean scores, time interaction, were statistically significant. Metacognitive Training was efficacious on the theory of mind and in performing more functional attributions. Patients in the intervention group showed high-level positive feedback. CONCLUSION Metacognitive Training applied by psychiatric and mental health nurses demonstrated a user and practitioner-friendly, safe and effective program on social cognition. Also, the social and cultural feasibility and effectiveness of the Metacognitive Training program were shown for the first time in a Turkish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Zonp
- Postdoctoral Resesarch Fellow, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Health Science Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hülya Bilgin
- Professor, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Guo XD, Wang Y, Chan RCK. Mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between schizotypy and empathy. Psych J 2022; 11:335-343. [PMID: 35437901 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizotypy is a set of personality traits existing in the general population that represents vulnerability for developing psychosis. Previous studies have suggested that negative schizotypy correlates with empathy, but mixed results have been shown for positive schizotypy. The present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of emotion regulation upon schizotypy and empathy. The valid sample consisted of 595 college students who completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Chapman Psychosis Proneness Scales. Pearson correlations between schizotypy, emotion regulation, and empathy were performed to build potential mediating models. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap analyses were used to examine the mediation effects of emotion regulation. Our results showed that negative schizotypy was correlated with both cognitive and affective empathy whereas positive schizotypy only correlated with the Fantasy and Personal Distress subscales after multiple comparisons corrections. The Cognitive Reappraisal subscale of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was positively correlated with empathy whereas the Expressive Suppression subscale was negatively associated with affective empathy. More importantly, there was a significant mediating effect of cognitive reappraisal on the relationship between negative schizotypy and cognitive empathy. Our findings suggest that a higher level of negative schizotypy is associated with poorer cognitive and affective empathy, and cognitive reappraisal may mediate the effect of negative schizotypy on cognitive empathy. These findings highlight the optimal usage of cognitive reappraisal in social interactions, and may help to improve empathy, especially for individuals with a high level of negative schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Guo
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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34
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Zhao Z, Lu E, Zhao F, Zeng Y, Zhao Y. A Brain-Inspired Theory of Mind Spiking Neural Network for Reducing Safety Risks of Other Agents. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:753900. [PMID: 35495023 PMCID: PMC9050192 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.753900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly applied to complex tasks that involve interaction with multiple agents. Such interaction-based systems can lead to safety risks. Due to limited perception and prior knowledge, agents acting in the real world may unconsciously hold false beliefs and strategies about their environment, leading to safety risks in their future decisions. For humans, we can usually rely on the high-level theory of mind (ToM) capability to perceive the mental states of others, identify risk-inducing errors, and offer our timely help to keep others away from dangerous situations. Inspired by the biological information processing mechanism of ToM, we propose a brain-inspired theory of mind spiking neural network (ToM-SNN) model to enable agents to perceive such risk-inducing errors inside others' mental states and make decisions to help others when necessary. The ToM-SNN model incorporates the multiple brain areas coordination mechanisms and biologically realistic spiking neural networks (SNNs) trained with Reward-modulated Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (R-STDP). To verify the effectiveness of the ToM-SNN model, we conducted various experiments in the gridworld environments with random agents' starting positions and random blocking walls. Experimental results demonstrate that the agent with the ToM-SNN model selects rescue behavior to help others avoid safety risks based on self-experience and prior knowledge. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides a new perspective to explore how agents help others avoid potential risks based on bio-inspired ToM mechanisms and may contribute more inspiration toward better research on safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoya Zhao
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Enmeng Lu
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Zeng
| | - Yuxuan Zhao
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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35
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Fekete Z, Vass E, Balajthy R, Tana Ü, Nagy AC, Oláh B, Domján N, Kuritárné IS. Efficacy of metacognitive training on symptom severity, neurocognition and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Scand J Psychol 2022; 63:321-333. [PMID: 35388496 PMCID: PMC9544200 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, a number of complementary treatments for schizophrenia have emerged. One of these is metacognitive training (MCT), which combines the principles of cognitive‐behavioral therapies, cognitive remediation, and psychoeducation into a hybrid approach placing emphasis on increasing metacognitive awareness. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of MCT on symptom severity, and neurocognitive and social cognitive functioning in schizophrenia; also, attention was paid to the assessment of subjective acceptability. Forty‐six patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were included in our single‐blind randomized controlled trial, who were assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group was provided standard MCT, while the control group received treatment as usual. We assessed symptom severity and cognitive functions before and after the training, as well as after a 6‐month follow‐up period. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed improvement in overall symptom severity, and positive and disorganized symptoms. Training participans showed further improvement at the follow‐up assessment. Regarding neurocognitive functions, improvement in visuospatial functions was observed between pre‐ and post‐intervention assessments compared to the control group. Patients showed excellent adherence, and evaluated the training as useful and interesting. In line with the results of previous studies, our results demonstrate the efficacy of MCT on symptom severity in schizophrenia. Improvements in cognitive functions that are closely related to the onset and prevalence of symptoms of schizophrenia were also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Fekete
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edit Vass
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ramóna Balajthy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jósa András Teaching Hospital, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Hospitals and University Teaching Hospital, Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Ünige Tana
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, URBS Pro Patiente Nonprofit Ltd., Budakalász, Hungary
| | - Attila Csaba Nagy
- Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Barnabás Oláh
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nóra Domján
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Szabó Kuritárné
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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36
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of social cognition training success across the healthy lifespan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3544. [PMID: 35241715 PMCID: PMC8894472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Socio-cognitive abilities and challenges change across the healthy lifespan and are essential for successful human interaction. Identifying effective socio-cognitive training approaches for healthy individuals may prevent development of mental or physical disease and reduced quality of life. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo databases. Studies that investigated different socio-cognitive trainings for healthy individuals across the human lifespan assessing effects on theory of mind, emotion recognition, perspective taking, and social decision making were included. A random-effects pairwise meta-analysis was conducted. Risk-of-Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias-2-Tool. Twenty-three intervention studies with N = 1835 participants were included in the systematic review; twelve randomized controlled trials in the meta-analysis (N = 875). Socio-cognitive trainings differed regarding duration and content in different age groups, with theory of mind being the domain most frequently trained. Results of the meta-analysis showed that trainings were highly effective for improving theory of mind in children aged 3–5 years (SMD = 2.51 (95%CI: 0.48–4.53)), children aged 7–9 years (SMD = 2.71 (95%CI: − 0.28 to 5.71)), and older adults (SMD = 5.90 (95%CI: 2.77–9.02). Theory of mind training was highly effective in all investigated age-groups for improving theory of mind, yet, more research on transfer effects to other socio-cognitive processes and further investigation of training effects in other socio-cognitive domains (e.g., emotion recognition, visual perspective taking, social decision making) is needed. Identified characteristics of successful socio-cognitive trainings in different age groups may help designing future training studies for other populations. Registration:www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (ID: CRD42020193297).
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Lopez-Morinigo JD, Escobedo-Aedo PJ, Sánchez-Escribano Martínez A, González Ruiz-Ruano V, Sánchez-Alonso S, Mata-Iturralde L, Muñoz-Lorenzo L, Baca-García E, David AS. Investigating the Contribution of Decision-Making, Cognitive Insight, and Theory of Mind in Insight in Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychopathology 2022; 55:104-115. [PMID: 35176740 DOI: 10.1159/000521915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is associated with outcomes. Although the neurocognitive basis of insight is widely accepted, the specific contribution of decision-making (Jumping to Conclusions [JTC]), Cognitive Insight (CI), and Theory of Mind (ToM) to insight remains unclear. METHODS The sample included N = 77 SSD outpatients aged 18-64 years from a randomized controlled trial of metacognitive training. Assessments included JTC-Beads Task, CI-Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, ToM-Hinting Task, and the Emotions Recognition Test Faces. STATISTICS hierarchical multivariable linear regression models tested their contribution to total insight (TI) and three insight dimensions - illness recognition (IR), symptom relabelling (SR), and treatment compliance (TC) - measured with the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded version, whilst adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Bivariate analyses showed that CI was associated with TI (R2 change = 0.214; p < 0.001), IR (R2 change = 0.154; p = 0.003), and SR (R2 change = 0.168; p = 0.003), while JTC predicted IR (R2 change = 0.790; p = 0.020). Multivariable regression models showed that CI predicted TI (R2 change = 0.116; p = 0.036) and SR (R2 change = 0.166, p = 0.011), whereas JTC was linked with IR (R2 change = 0.710; p = 0.026). ToM was not linked with any insight score. No cognitive variable was associated with treatment compliance. DISCUSSION Results supported the (meta)cognitive model of insight in SSD. JTC and CI emerged as the main (meta)cognitive processes underlying insight. Metacognitive interventions may therefore improve insight in SSD, although these therapies alone may fail to address treatment compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier-David Lopez-Morinigo
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psiquiatría, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.,Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Verónica González Ruiz-Ruano
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psiquiatría, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Enrique Baca-García
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psiquiatría, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.,Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universidad Católica Del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nimes, Nimes, France
| | - Anthony S David
- Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Jelili S, Halayem S, Rajhi O, Abbes Z, Mansour HB, Ouanes S, Taamallah A, Ennaifer S, Ben Yahia H, Ghazzei M, Nabli A, Hajri M, Fakhfakh R, Mrabet A, Bouden A. Assessment of theory of mind in Tunisian verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:922873. [PMID: 36465310 PMCID: PMC9713837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.922873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined performance in Theory of Mind (ToM) in a group of 31 Arabic-speaking verbal children (7-12 years-old) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in comparison with neurotypical controls (NT) matched for age and for cognitive abilities. An innovative task in a digital format named "The Tunisian Social Situations Instrument" (TSSI) was used and allowed us to study four different subdomains of ToM: attribution of intention and epistemic ToM (cognitive ToM), affective ToM, and detection of faux pas (advanced ToM). Our study showed impairments in ToM in children with ASD, similar to those reported in the literature. Our findings additionally suggested that affective and advanced ToM, specifically the detection of faux pas, might be more challenging for ASD children than other components of ToM. Future studies with larger number of children may lead us to specify which subdomains are the most impaired in order to develop specific tools targeting these specific impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selima Jelili
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Soumeyya Halayem
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Rajhi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Versaille Hospital Center, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Zeineb Abbes
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Ben Mansour
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sami Ouanes
- Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Psychiatry - Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amal Taamallah
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Selima Ennaifer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Houda Ben Yahia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Melek Ghazzei
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Nabli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Malek Hajri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Radhouane Fakhfakh
- Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ali Mrabet
- Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Asma Bouden
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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Cerebellum, Embodied Emotions, and Psychological Traits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1378:255-269. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99550-8_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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40
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Watanabe RGS, Knochenhauer AE, Fabrin MA, Siqueira HH, Martins HF, Oliveira Mello CDD, Zingano BDL, Botelho MF, Yacubian EMT, Oliveira Filho GRD, Melo HM, Walz R, Wolf P, Lin K. Faux Pas Recognition Test: transcultural adaptation and evaluation of its psychometric properties in Brazil. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2021; 26:321-334. [PMID: 34132173 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1941830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders produce Theory of Mind impairment. We aimed to implement a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Faux Pas Recognition Test (FPRT) and evaluate its psychometric properties.Methods: We first completed an English-Brazilian Portuguese translation and adaptation to obtain an FPRT Brazilian Portuguese version. We performed a multicentric study with 153 healthy participants (68.6% women), mean age of 38.8 years (SD = 14.6) and 12.9 years of schooling (SD = 4.5). Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of social class, age, schooling, and FPRT scores. The psychometric analyses comprised item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability, and validity analysis.Results: Normative data in a Brazilian population is presented. A positive correlation of scores with years of schooling, social class, and an inverse relation with age was found. The exploratory factorial analysis found a two-component structure, one component, consisting of questions 1 through 6 (Eigenvalue 5.325) and another component, consisting of questions 7 and 8 (Eigenvalue 1.09). Cronbach's alpha of the 20 stories was .72. All control stories had a poor discriminative index.Conclusion: The FPRT Brazilian Portuguese version demonstrated good internal consistency and, psychometric properties and is adequate for use even in lower educational contexts in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gustavo Sato Watanabe
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Heloise Helena Siqueira
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bianca de Lemos Zingano
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Hiago Murilo Melo
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Centre for Applied Neurosciences, UFSC, Brazil
| | - Roger Walz
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil.,Centre for Applied Neurosciences, UFSC, Brazil
| | - Peter Wolf
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil.,Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Katia Lin
- Medical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil.,Neurology Division, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil.,Centre for Applied Neurosciences, UFSC, Brazil
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Corbera S, Wexler BE, Bell MD, Pearlson G, Mayer S, Pittman B, Belamkar V, Assaf M. Predictors of social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 303:114087. [PMID: 34246005 PMCID: PMC8373814 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show overlap in social cognitive and functioning impairments. Proposed predictors of social functioning (SF) and quality of life (QL) have been symptom severity, IQ and social cognition. Empathy has rarely been compared between ASD and SZ and its predictive power on functional outcomes is unclear. We investigated general, affective, and cognitive empathy in 46 SZ, 30 ASD and 51 healthy controls (HC) and examined their relationship to SF and QL in addition to IQ and symptoms. SZ and ASD shared deficits in general and cognitive empathy, and personal distress, but only SZ showed deficits in affective empathy. Both groups showed lower performance-based empathy scores and only ASD showed slower responses compared to HC. Negative symptoms predicted QL in both groups, the more negative symptoms the worse QL (ASD t=-3.22; SZ t= -3.43; p<0.01), and only in ASD, IQ predicted QL, the higher the IQ the higher QL (t = 2.1; p<0.05). In ASD only, negative symptoms predicted SF, the greater negative symptoms the worse SF (t=-3.45; p<0.01), and communication deficits predicted SF, the higher deficits, the higher SF (t = 2.9; p<0.01). Negative symptoms but not empathy were the shared predictors of functioning across ASD and SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Corbera
- Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States; Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, United States.
| | - Bruce E. Wexler
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA
| | - Morris D. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Godfrey Pearlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA,Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living,
Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Sophy Mayer
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living,
Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA
| | - Vaishali Belamkar
- Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut
State University, New Britain, CT, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT,
USA,Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living,
Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
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42
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McCrackin SD, Itier RJ. I can see it in your eyes: Perceived gaze direction impacts ERP and behavioural measures of affective theory of mind. Cortex 2021; 143:205-222. [PMID: 34455372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Looking at someone's eyes is thought to be important for affective theory of mind (aTOM), our ability to infer their emotional state. However, it is unknown whether an individual's gaze direction influences our aTOM judgements and what the time course of this influence might be. We presented participants with sentences describing individuals in positive, negative or neutral scenarios, followed by direct or averted gaze neutral face pictures of those individuals. Participants made aTOM judgements about each person's mental state, including their affective valence and arousal, and we investigated whether the face gaze direction impacted those judgements. Participants rated that gazers were feeling more positive when they displayed direct gaze as opposed to averted gaze, and that they were feeling more aroused during negative contexts when gaze was averted as opposed to direct. Event-related potentials associated with face perception and affective processing were examined using mass-univariate analyses to track the time-course of this eye-gaze and affective processing interaction at a neural level. Both positive and negative trials were differentiated from neutral trials at many stages of processing. This included the early N200 and EPN components, believed to reflect automatic emotion areas activation and attentional selection respectively. This also included the later P300 and LPP components, thought to reflect elaborative cognitive appraisal of emotional content. Critically, sentence valence and gaze direction interacted over these later components, which may reflect the incorporation of eye-gaze in the cognitive evaluation of another's emotional state. The results suggest that gaze perception directly impacts aTOM processes, and that altered eye-gaze processing in clinical populations may contribute to associated aTOM impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roxane J Itier
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
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Vaskinn A, Sundet K, Melle I, Andreassen OA, Friis S. The factor structure of social cognition in schizophrenia: Weak evidence for separable domains. SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH-COGNITION 2021; 26:100208. [PMID: 34430229 PMCID: PMC8369474 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2021.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the factor structure of social cognition in a Norwegian sample of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 83). Eight variables from three social cognitive tests from three theoretical domains were included: emotion processing, social perception and theory of mind. Factor analysis with maximum likelihood extraction and oblique rotation resulted in two factors using Kaiser's criterion. Although the two-factor model had better fit than a unifactorial model, it did not represent the data well. Two social cognitive variables did not load on either factor. The two extracted factors did not correspond to an expected distinction between low and high level of processing or between affective and cognitive processes. A non-negligible number of nonredundant residuals between observed and computed correlations suggested poor model fit. In conclusion, this study failed to identify separable dimensions of social cognition in spite of including measures from different theoretical domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Vaskinn
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Corresponding author at: Oslo University Hospital, Division Mental Health and Addiction, Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, PO Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjetil Sundet
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychosis Research Section, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychosis Research Section, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svein Friis
- Department of Research and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Wastler HM, Lenzenweger MF. Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind in Positive Schizotypy: Relationship to Schizotypal Traits and Psychosocial Functioning. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:538-553. [PMID: 32163024 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2020_34_473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM) impairments are well documented in schizophrenia, although it remains unclear whether these deficits exist among individuals with schizotypy. The current study sought to shed light on mixed findings in schizotypy by differentiating between various aspects of ToM, (cognitive/affective ToM and overmentalization/undermentalization). A three-group design (positive schizotypy, negative affect, and healthy control) was used to assess ToM performance on the Movie for Assessment of Social Cognition. Results indicated that the positive schizotypy group made greater intent overmentalization errors than both control groups. The schizotypy and negative affect groups made greater emotion overmentalization errors relative to healthy controls. In addition, the authors explored the relationship between ToM, schizotypal traits, and psychosocial functioning. Results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between cognitive-perceptual schizotypal traits and intent overmentalization as well as a significant positive relationship between interpersonal traits and emotion overmentalization. Finally, intent and emotion overmentalization were both related to poorer psychosocial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Wastler
- State University of New York at Binghamton.,The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark F Lenzenweger
- State University of New York at Binghamton.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Lemvigh CK, Karantonis JA, Furlong LS, Carruthers SP, Pantelis C, Rossell SL, Van Rheenen TE. Characterization and interrelationships of theory of mind, socially competitive emotions and affective empathy in bipolar disorder. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61:76-92. [PMID: 34232514 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence shows impaired theory of mind (ToM) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), yet research examining its cognitive and affective components simultaneously is sparse. Moreover, recognition of socially competitive 'fortune of others' emotions (e.g. envy/gloat) may be related to ToM, but has not been assessed in BD. Finally, if and how ToM and 'fortune of others' emotions relate to affective empathy in BD is currently unclear. This study aimed to address these points. METHODS 64 BD patients and 34 healthy controls completed the Yoni task, a visual task assessing first- and second-order cognitive and affective ToM as well as 'fortune of others' emotions. The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire was used to assess self-reported affective empathy. RESULTS Patients with BD showed no deficits in cognitive and affective ToM or recognition of 'fortune of others' emotions. The ability to infer 'fortune of others' emotions correlated with several ToM measures, indicating that these functions are part of the same system. Patients with BD reported similar levels of affective empathy to healthy controls, and this was not related to ToM or 'fortune of others' emotions, suggesting that affective empathy represents a separate social domain. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight areas of spared social functioning in BD, which may be utilized in therapeutic strategies. PRACTITIONER POINTS Our results suggest theory of mind and empathy may represent areas of potentially spared cognitive functioning in BD. As many BD patients have experienced adversity during developmental periods in which theory of mind and empathy develop, our findings suggest that these abilities may be markers of resilience in the disorder. Our findings are important for the formulation of therapeutic interventions for BD, which may include considering practical ways that a patients' knowledge of intact ToM and empathy could be utilized to reduce self-stigma and promote self-efficacy, improved well-being and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie K Lemvigh
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS) and Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR), Mental Health Center Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A Karantonis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa S Furlong
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean P Carruthers
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS) and Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR), Mental Health Center Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamsyn E Van Rheenen
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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A Systematic Review of the Current Measures of Theory of Mind in Adults with Schizophrenia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18137172. [PMID: 34281109 PMCID: PMC8297277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adults with schizophrenia usually have impairments in theory of mind (ToM), which subsequently cause them problems in social interaction. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to assess their ToM using adequate measures. This systematic review evaluated current ToM measures (or ToM tasks) for adults with schizophrenia and summarized their specific characteristics, including the concept and construct, administration, and psychometric properties. From a review of 117 articles, 13 types of ToM tasks were identified, and the findings from these articles were qualitatively synthesized. The results showed that ToM tasks are diverse in their presentation modalities, answer modes, strategies of controlling cognitive confounders, and scoring. Most tasks employ cognitive and affective dimensions and target a specific, single ToM concept. The present systematic review found that psychometric evidence supporting the ToM tasks, such as internal consistency, test–retest reliability, unidimensionality, and convergent, criterion, and ecological validities, is insufficient. Based on the results, we propose several principles for selecting appropriate ToM tasks in practice, e.g., selecting a task with multiple ToM concepts, or an exclusive ToM construct containing the cognitive and affective dimensions. Moreover, future studies are needed to provide more psychometric evidence on each type of ToM task applied in people with schizophrenia.
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Gürsoy SC, Ergün S, Midi İ, Topçuoğlu V. Theory of mind and its relationship with alexithymia and quality of life in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Comparisons with generalised epilepsy and healthy controls. Seizure 2021; 91:251-257. [PMID: 34246053 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are associated with high alexithymia, social cognition problems and low quality of life (QoL). Theory of Mind (ToM) has been studied in several conditions as a significant predictor of QoL. We aimed to assess the relationship between ToM abilities, alexithymia and subjective QoL in PNES patients and compare with generalised epilepsy (ES) patients and healthy controls. METHOD Patients with PNES (n = 28), ES (n = 28) and healthy volunteers (n = 28) were evaluated for alexithymia and quality of life (QoL) with Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Reading the Mind in the Eyes test was used for assessment of affective ToM and Hinting Task and Strange Stories tests for cognitive ToM abilities. RESULTS Analyses revealed lower SF-36 scores and poorer ToM performance in the PNES group compared to healthy group and poorer cognitive ToM performance than ES group. Cognitive ToM performance was inversely correlated with TAS-20 "difficulty identifying feelings" subscale and "physical functioning" subscale of SF-36 in the PNES group. CONCLUSION These results are consistent with previous research on PNES and other somatoform disorders and suggest that PNES is associated with impaired ToM task performance. ToM task performance might be related to specific aspects of alexithymia and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Süha Can Gürsoy
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd No:10, 34899 Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Serhat Ergün
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd No:10, 34899 Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey
| | - İpek Midi
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Deparment of Neurology, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd No:10, 34899 Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Topçuoğlu
- Marmara University Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Fevzi Çakmak, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Cd No:10, 34899 Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey
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Friestad C, Vaskinn A. An exploration of theory of mind performance among men convicted of rape. Scand J Psychol 2021; 62:476-483. [PMID: 34085727 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several of the known risk factors for sexual violence concern a lack of capacity for engaging in mutually satisfying interpersonal relationships. Socio-cognitive deficits may be approached from a theory of mind (ToM) perspective, where lack of ability to attribute mental states to others is seen as the core feature. This study focuses on imprisoned men (n = 26) convicted of rape against an adult. A video-based measure of ToM (MASC) was applied, depicting social interaction in a dynamic real-life setting. The results showed that the rape-convicted men have a markedly inferior ability to infer the mental states of others. Clinical as well as theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Friestad
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,University College of Norwegian Correctional Service, Lillestrom, Norway
| | - Anja Vaskinn
- NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Canty AL, Cao Y, Neumann D, Shum DHK. The functional significance of cognitive empathy and theory of mind in early and chronic schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2021; 299:113852. [PMID: 33761402 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Theoretical models suggest that it is the interplay between social cognitive processes that result in adaptive social functioning in schizophrenia. This study explored the relative contributions of, and interplay between, cognitive empathy, affective theory of mind (ToM), neurocognition, and severity of clinical symptoms, in predicting the social functioning of individuals with schizophrenia. Clinical participants (early schizophrenia n = 26, chronic schizophrenia n = 32) were administered an ecologically valid measure of ToM (viz., the Virtual Assessment of Mentalising Ability or VAMA) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ) as part of a larger neuropsychological and social functioning assessment battery. Results indicated that individuals with early schizophrenia reported significantly better cognitive empathy than individuals with chronic schizophrenia. ToM was found to have added value in predicting both community functioning and functional capacity that was beyond that accounted for by cognitive empathy, clinical symptoms, and neurocognition for both clinical groups. Further, our results indicated that the capacity to demonstrate empathic understanding of another's situation (i.e., cognitive empathy) mediates the relationship between ToM and social functioning. Together, our findings highlight the intricate and compounding nature of social cognition constructs, and their effect on social functioning for individuals with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allana L Canty
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Neumann
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - David H K Shum
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Altschuler MR, Trevisan DA, Wolf JM, Naples AJ, Foss-Feig JH, Srihari VH, McPartland JC. Face perception predicts affective theory of mind in autism spectrum disorder but not schizophrenia or typical development. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 130:413-422. [PMID: 34180705 PMCID: PMC8244155 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SCZ) have overlapping symptomatology related to difficulties with social cognition. Yet, few studies have directly compared social cognition in ASD, SCZ, and typical development (TD). The current study examined individual differences in face recognition and its relation to affective theory of mind (ToM) in each diagnostic group. Adults with ASD (n = 31), SCZ (n = 43), and TD (n = 47) between the ages of 18 and 48 years-old with full scale IQ above 80 participated in this study. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) measured affective ToM, and the Benton Facial Recognition Test (BFRT) measured face perception. Adults with ASD and SCZ did not differ in their affective ToM abilities, and both groups showed affective ToM difficulties compared with TD. However, better face recognition ability uniquely predicted better affective ToM ability in ASD. Results suggest that affective ToM difficulties may relate to face processing in ASD but not SCZ. By clarifying the complex nature of individual differences in affective ToM and face recognition difficulties in these disorders, the present study suggests there may be divergent mechanisms underlying pathways to social dysfunction in ASD compared with SCZ. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Vinod H Srihari
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine
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