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Eriksdotter M, Joutsimäki K, Johnsson P. Knowing me, knowing you: a scoping review assessing the current field of social cognition in schizophrenia. Nord J Psychiatry 2023; 77:627-640. [PMID: 37366305 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2226114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired social cognition (SC) occurs frequently in schizophrenia (SCZ), yet compared to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the research on SC in SCZ is sparse and methodologically heterogeneous. To accurately assess between-group SC differences it is further necessary to establish the relationship between nonsocial cognition (NSC) and SC, particularly as this may not be identical across disorders. PURPOSE The present study aimed to map, index and assess the quality of research published between 2014-2021 investigating SC in SCZ, and to summarize existing limitations and recommendations for future research. METHOD Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) fifteen (n = 15) case-control studies were identified and included across three electronic databases. Studies additionally utilizing ASD samples were included because of their clinical utility. RESULTS Most studies reported significant SC impairments in SCZ relative to healthy controls (HC) with varying effect sizes. Significant differences between SCZ and ASD were not found in most studies including both samples. Weak-to-moderate correlations between SC and NSC were often found, although often only within patient samples. Across studies, SC tests were inconsistently described as measurements of "social cognition", "mentalization" and, most frequently and varyingly, "theory of mind". Most studies lacked methodological transparency. Limitations related to sample sizes and test reliability were most frequently mentioned. CONCLUSIONS The current research on SC in SCZ is limited by conceptual and methodological uncertainties. Future research should focus on ensuring clear and valid definitions of key terms, evaluating and clarifying SC outcome measures and further untangling the relationship between SC and NSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Per Johnsson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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2
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Konstantin GE, Nordgaard J, Henriksen MG. Methodological issues in social cognition research in autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Psychol Med 2023; 53:3281-3292. [PMID: 37161884 PMCID: PMC10277762 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that similar social cognitive impairments are found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). While methodological issues have been mentioned as a limitation, no study has yet explored the magnitude of methodological heterogeneity across these studies and its potential impact for their conclusion. The purpose of this study was to systematically review studies comparing social cognitive impairments in ASD and SSD with a focus on methodology. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched all publications on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase. Of the 765 studies identified in our data base searches, 21 cross-sectional studies were included in the review. We found significant methodological heterogeneity across the studies. In the 21 studies, a total of 37 different measures of social cognition were used, 25 of which were only used in 1 study. Across studies, the same measure was often said to be assessing different constructs of social cognition - a confusion that seems to reflect the ambiguous definitions of what these measures test in the studies that introduced them. Moreover, inadequate differential diagnostic assessment of ASD samples was found in 81% of the studies, and sample characteristics were markedly varied. The ASD and SSD groups were also often unmatched in terms of medication usage and substance use disorder history. Future studies must address these methodological issues before a definite conclusion can be drawn about the potential similarity of social cognitive impairments in ASD and SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Konstantin
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Nordgaard
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Gram Henriksen
- Mental Health Center Amager, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Subjectivity Research, Department of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Fivel L, Mondino M, Brunelin J, Haesebaert F. Basic auditory processing and its relationship with symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115144. [PMID: 36940586 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Processing of basic auditory features, one of the earliest stages of auditory perception, has been the focus of considerable investigations in schizophrenia. Although numerous studies have shown abnormalities in pitch perception in schizophrenia, other basic auditory features such as intensity, duration, and sound localization have been less explored. Additionally, the relationship between basic auditory features and symptom severity shows inconsistent results, preventing concrete conclusions. Our aim was to present a comprehensive overview of basic auditory processing in schizophrenia and its relationship with symptoms. We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies exploring auditory perception in schizophrenia compared to controls, with at least one behavioral task investigating basic auditory processing using pure tones. Forty-one studies were included. The majority investigated pitch processing while the others investigated intensity, duration and sound localization. The results revealed that patients have a significant deficit in the processing of all basic auditory features. Although the search for a relationship with symptoms was limited, auditory hallucinations experience appears to have an impact on basic auditory processing. Further research may examine correlations with clinical symptoms to explore the performance of patient subgroups and possibly implement remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Fivel
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron F-69500, France
| | - Marine Mondino
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron F-69500, France; Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95 Boulevard Pinel, Bron F-69500, France.
| | - Jerome Brunelin
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron F-69500, France; Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95 Boulevard Pinel, Bron F-69500, France
| | - Frédéric Haesebaert
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, PSYR2, Bron F-69500, France; Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95 Boulevard Pinel, Bron F-69500, France
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4
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Nakamura T, Matsui T, Utsumi A, Sumiya M, Nakagawa E, Sadato N. Context-prosody interaction in sarcasm comprehension: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuropsychologia 2022; 170:108213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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5
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Jutla A, Foss-Feig J, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia: An updated conceptual review. Autism Res 2022; 15:384-412. [PMID: 34967130 PMCID: PMC8931527 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are separate disorders, with distinct clinical profiles and natural histories. ASD, typically diagnosed in childhood, is characterized by restricted or repetitive interests or behaviors and impaired social communication, and it tends to have a stable course. SCZ, typically diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood, is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and tends to be associated with declining function. However, youth with ASD are three to six times more likely to develop SCZ than their neurotypical counterparts, and increasingly, research has shown that ASD and SCZ converge at several levels. We conducted a systematic review of studies since 2013 relevant to understanding this convergence, and present here a narrative synthesis of key findings, which we have organized into four broad categories: symptoms and behavior, perception and cognition, biomarkers, and genetic and environmental risk. We then discuss opportunities for future research into the phenomenology and neurobiology of overlap between ASD and SCZ. Understanding this overlap will allow for researchers, and eventually clinicians, to understand the factors that may make a child with ASD vulnerable to developing SCZ. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia are distinct diagnoses, but people with autism and people with schizophrena share several characteristics. We review recent studies that have examined these areas of overlap, and discuss the kinds of studies we will need to better understand how these disorders are related. Understanding this will be important to help us identify which autistic children are at risk of developing schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Jutla
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Jennifer Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Gustave L. Levy
Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States,Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New
York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White
Plains, NY 10605, United States
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6
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Martínez A, Tobe RH, Gaspar PA, Malinsky D, Dias EC, Sehatpour P, Lakatos P, Patel GH, Bermudez DH, Silipo G, Javitt DC. Disease-Specific Contribution of Pulvinar Dysfunction to Impaired Emotion Recognition in Schizophrenia. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:787383. [PMID: 35237135 PMCID: PMC8883821 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.787383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One important aspect for managing social interactions is the ability to perceive and respond to facial expressions rapidly and accurately. This ability is highly dependent upon intact processing within both cortical and subcortical components of the early visual pathways. Social cognitive deficits, including face emotion recognition (FER) deficits, are characteristic of several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (Sz) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here, we investigated potential visual sensory contributions to FER deficits in Sz (n = 28, 8/20 female/male; age 21–54 years) and adult ASD (n = 20, 4/16 female/male; age 19–43 years) participants compared to neurotypical (n = 30, 8/22 female/male; age 19–54 years) controls using task-based fMRI during an implicit static/dynamic FER task. Compared to neurotypical controls, both Sz (d = 1.97) and ASD (d = 1.13) participants had significantly lower FER scores which interrelated with diminished activation of the superior temporal sulcus (STS). In Sz, STS deficits were predicted by reduced activation of early visual regions (d = 0.85, p = 0.002) and of the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus (d = 0.44, p = 0.042), along with impaired cortico-pulvinar interaction. By contrast, ASD participants showed patterns of increased early visual cortical (d = 1.03, p = 0.001) and pulvinar (d = 0.71, p = 0.015) activation. Large effect-size structural and histological abnormalities of pulvinar have previously been documented in Sz. Moreover, we have recently demonstrated impaired pulvinar activation to simple visual stimuli in Sz. Here, we provide the first demonstration of a disease-specific contribution of impaired pulvinar activation to social cognitive impairment in Sz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antígona Martínez
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Antígona Martínez,
| | - Russell H. Tobe
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Pablo A. Gaspar
- Department of Psychiatry, Biomedical Neurosciences Institute, IMHAY, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Malinsky
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elisa C. Dias
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Pejman Sehatpour
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Peter Lakatos
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Gaurav H. Patel
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dalton H. Bermudez
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Gail Silipo
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Daniel C. Javitt
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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7
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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8
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Icht M, Zukerman G, Ben-Itzchak E, Ben-David BM. Keep it simple: Identification of basic versus complex emotions in spoken language in individuals with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability: A meta-analysis study. Autism Res 2021; 14:1948-1964. [PMID: 34101373 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Daily functioning involves identifying emotions in spoken language, a fundamental aspect of social interactions. To date, there is inconsistent evidence in the literature on whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability (ASD-without-ID) experience difficulties in identification of spoken emotions. We conducted a meta-analysis (literature search following the PRISMA guidelines), with 26 data sets (taken from 23 peer-reviewed journal articles) comparing individuals with ASD-without-ID (N = 614) and typically-developed (TD) controls (N = 640), from nine countries and in seven languages (published until February 2020). In our analyses there was no sufficient evidence to suggest that individuals with HF-ASD differ from matched controls in the identification of simple prosodic emotions (e.g., sadness, happiness). However, individuals with ASD-without-ID were found to perform significantly worse than controls in identification of complex prosodic emotions (e.g., envy and boredom). The level of the semantic content of the stimuli presented (e.g., sentences vs. strings of digits) was not found to have an impact on the results. In conclusion, the difference in findings between simple and complex emotions calls for a new-look on emotion processing in ASD-without-ID. Intervention programs may rely on the intact abilities of individuals with ASD-without-ID to process simple emotions and target improved performance with complex emotions. LAY SUMMARY: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability (ASD-without-ID) do not differ from matched controls in the identification of simple prosodic emotions (e.g., sadness, happiness). However, they were found to perform significantly worse than controls in the identification of complex prosodic emotions (e.g., envy, boredom). This was found in a meta-analysis of 26 data sets with 1254 participants from nine countries and in seven languages. Intervention programs may rely on the intact abilities of individuals with ASD-without-ID to process simple emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Icht
- Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Gil Zukerman
- Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Esther Ben-Itzchak
- Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,The Bruckner Center for Research in Autism, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Boaz M Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel.,Department of Speech-Language Pathology, and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Networks (UHN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Abstract
Autism seldom occurs in its pure form. Often labeled as behavioral disorders or psychological reactions, comorbid psychiatric disorders are common. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that occur in persons with autism across their life spans. It can be comorbid with and mistaken for several other conditions. Similarly, psychosis occurs in several psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is the prototype psychotic disorder that has a close but controversial relationship with autism. Assessment and treatment of bipolar disorder and psychosis should be based on their individual characteristics, family dynamics, and community resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghaziuddin
- University of Michigan, University of Michigan Medical Center, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Neera Ghaziuddin
- University of Michigan, University of Michigan Medical Center, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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10
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Oliver LD, Moxon-Emre I, Lai MC, Grennan L, Voineskos AN, Ameis SH. Social Cognitive Performance in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Compared With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:281-292. [PMID: 33291141 PMCID: PMC7724568 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) both feature social cognitive deficits; however, these disorders historically have been examined separately using a range of tests and subdomain focus and at different time points in the life span. Moving beyond diagnostic categories and characterizing social cognitive deficits can enhance understanding of shared pathways across these disorders. OBJECTIVE To investigate how deficits in social cognitive domains diverge or overlap between SSDs and ASD based on the extant literature. DATA SOURCES Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception until July 26, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Original research articles were selected that reported performance-based measures of social cognition in both SSDs and ASD samples. Selected articles also had to be published in English and use International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, DSM-IV, or more recent diagnostic criteria. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines, including data extraction and quality assessment using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges g (SSDs vs ASD). The primary outcomes were performance on emotion processing tasks, theory of mind (ToM) tasks, and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) in SSDs compared with ASD. Meta-regressions were performed for age difference, publication year, quality assessment scores, and antipsychotic medication use. RESULTS Of the 4175 screened articles, 36 studies directly comparing social cognitive performance in individuals with SSDs vs ASD were included in the qualitative analysis (n = 1212 for SSDs groups and n = 1109 for ASD groups), and 33 studies were included in the quantitative analyses (n = 1113 for SSDs groups and n = 1015 for ASD groups). Most study participants were male (number of studies [k] = 36, 72% [878 of 1212] in SSDs groups and 82% [907 of 1109] in ASD groups), and age (k = 35) was older in SSDs groups (mean [SD], 28.4 [9.5] years) than in ASD groups (mean [SD], 23.3 [7.6] years). Included studies highlighted the prevalence of small, male-predominant samples and a paucity of cross-disorder clinical measures. The meta-analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between SSDs and ASD on emotion processing measures (k = 15; g = 0.12 [95% CI, -0.07 to 0.30]; P = .21; I2 = 51.0%; 1 outlier excluded), ToM measures (k = 17; g = -0.01 [95% CI, -0.21 to 0.19]; P = .92; I2 = 56.5%; 1 outlier excluded), or the RMET (k = 13; g = 0.25 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.53]; P = .10; I2 = 75.3%). However, SSDs vs ASD performance differences between studies were statistically significantly heterogeneous, which was only minimally explained by potential moderators. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this analysis, similar levels of social cognitive impairment were present, on average, in individuals with SSDs and ASD. Cross-disorder studies of social cognition, including larger samples, consensus batteries, and consistent reporting of measures, as well as data across multiple levels of analysis, are needed to help identify subgroups within and across disorders that may be more homogeneous in etiology and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay D. Oliver
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Iska Moxon-Emre
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Laura Grennan
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aristotle N. Voineskos
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie H. Ameis
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Pinkham AE, Morrison KE, Penn DL, Harvey PD, Kelsven S, Ludwig K, Sasson NJ. Comprehensive comparison of social cognitive performance in autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2557-2565. [PMID: 31576783 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719002708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are separate neurodevelopmental disorders that are both characterized by difficulties in social cognition and social functioning. Due to methodological confounds, the degree of similarity in social cognitive impairments across these two disorders is currently unknown. This study therefore conducted a comprehensive comparison of social cognitive ability in ASD and SCZ to aid efforts to develop optimized treatment programs. METHODS In total, 101 individuals with ASD, 92 individuals with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder, and 101 typically developing (TD) controls, all with measured intelligence in the normal range and a mean age of 25.47 years, completed a large battery of psychometrically validated social cognitive assessments spanning the domains of emotion recognition, social perception, mental state attribution, and attributional style. RESULTS Both ASD and SCZ performed worse than TD controls, and very few differences were evident between the two clinical groups, with effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranging from 0.01 to 0.34. For those effects that did reach statistical significance, such as greater hostility in the SCZ group, controlling for symptom severity rendered them non-significant, suggesting that clinical distinctions may underlie these social cognitive differences. Additionally, the strength of the relationship between neurocognitive and social cognitive performance was of similar, moderate size for ASD and SCZ. CONCLUSIONS Findings largely suggest comparable levels of social cognitive impairment in ASD and SCZ, which may support the use of existing social cognitive interventions across disorders. However, future work is needed to determine whether the mechanisms underlying these shared impairments are also similar or if these common behavioral profiles may emerge via different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Pinkham
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas At Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kerrianne E Morrison
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas At Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - David L Penn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip D Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Research Service, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Skylar Kelsven
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey Ludwig
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Noah J Sasson
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas At Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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12
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Abstract
Autism seldom occurs in its pure form. Often labeled as behavioral disorders or psychological reactions, comorbid psychiatric disorders are common. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that occur in persons with autism across their life spans. It can be comorbid with and mistaken for several other conditions. Similarly, psychosis occurs in several psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is the prototype psychotic disorder that has a close but controversial relationship with autism. Assessment and treatment of bipolar disorder and psychosis should be based on their individual characteristics, family dynamics, and community resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghaziuddin
- University of Michigan, University of Michigan Medical Center, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Neera Ghaziuddin
- University of Michigan, University of Michigan Medical Center, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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13
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Chen TC, Hsieh MH, Lin YT, Chan PYS, Cheng CH. Mismatch negativity to different deviant changes in autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:766-777. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Martínez A, Tobe R, Dias EC, Ardekani BA, Veenstra-Vanderweele J, Patel G, Breland M, Lieval A, Silipo G, Javitt DC. Differential Patterns of Visual Sensory Alteration Underlying Face Emotion Recognition Impairment and Motion Perception Deficits in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:557-567. [PMID: 31301757 PMCID: PMC7197738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired face emotion recognition (FER) and abnormal motion processing are core features in schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that have been linked to atypical activity within the visual cortex. Despite overlaps, only a few studies have directly explored convergent versus divergent neural mechanisms of altered visual processing in ASD and SZ. We employed a multimodal imaging approach to evaluate FER and motion perception in relation to functioning of subcortical and cortical visual regions. METHODS Subjects were 20 high-functioning adults with ASD, 19 patients with SZ, and 17 control participants. Behavioral measures of coherent motion sensitivity and FER along with electrophysiological and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of visual pattern and motion processing were obtained. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the relationship between corticocortical and thalamocortical connectivity and atypical visual processing. RESULTS SZ and ASD participants had intercorrelated deficits in FER and motion sensitivity. In both groups, reduced motion sensitivity was associated with reduced functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in the occipitotemporal cortex and lower delta-band electroencephalogram power. In ASD, FER deficits correlated with hyperactivation of dorsal stream regions and increased evoked theta power. Activation of the pulvinar correlated with abnormal alpha-band modulation in SZ and ASD with under- and overmodulation, respectively, predicting increased clinical symptoms in both groups. CONCLUSIONS SZ and ASD participants showed equivalent deficits in FER and motion sensitivity but markedly different profiles of physiological dysfunction. The specific pattern of deficits observed in each group may help guide development of treatments designed to downregulate versus upregulate visual processing within the respective clinical groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antígona Martínez
- Schizophrenia Research Division, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
| | - Russell Tobe
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Elisa C. Dias
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Babak A. Ardekani
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | | | - Gaurav Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Melissa Breland
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Lieval
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Gail Silipo
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Daniel C. Javitt
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
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15
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Martinez G, Mosconi E, Daban-Huard C, Parellada M, Fananas L, Gaillard R, Fatjo-Vilas M, Krebs MO, Amado I. "A circle and a triangle dancing together": Alteration of social cognition in schizophrenia compared to autism spectrum disorders. Schizophr Res 2019; 210:94-100. [PMID: 31178362 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties in social cognition are present both in persons with schizophrenia (SCZ) and persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, qualitative similarities and differences in this field remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore attribution of intentionality in patients with recent onset SCZ in comparison to patients with high functioning ASD, and to explore relationships between alterations in attribution and clinical profile. Animated shapes are a non-verbal Theory of Mind (ToM) task involving the interpretation of geometric figure interactions in three conditions: random, goal-directed and ToM. We compared 51 young adults with SCZ, 32 with ASD and 23 healthy controls (HC) matched for age and gender. In random, goal-directed and ToM conditions, persons with SCZ attributed less intentionality with less appropriate answers than HC, while the same anomalies were only found in the ToM condition in persons with ASD. In SCZ, thought and langage disorganization and earlier age at onset were correlated with intentionality score in the random condition. Moreover, a mixed ToM impairment was found in SCZ, combining undermentalizing (for movements involving a mental state) similar to what was found in ASD, and overmentalizing (for random movements), related to dizorganization and precocity of the first psychotic episode. In the frame of the hypothesis of a continuum, these results underline both similarities and differences between autism and schizophrenia.
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16
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Abstract
Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia involves a broad array of nonsocial and social cognitive domains. It is a core feature of the illness, and one with substantial implications for treatment and prognosis. Our understanding of the causes, consequences and interventions for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia has grown substantially in recent years. Here we review a range of topics, including: a) the types of nonsocial cognitive, social cognitive, and perceptual deficits in schizophrenia; b) how deficits in schizophrenia are similar or different from those in other disorders; c) cognitive impairments in the prodromal period and over the lifespan in schizophrenia; d) neuroimaging of the neural substrates of nonsocial and social cognition, and e) relationships of nonsocial and social cognition to functional outcome. The paper also reviews the considerable efforts that have been directed to improve cognitive impairments in schizophrenia through novel psychopharmacology, cognitive remediation, social cognitive training, and alternative approaches. In the final section, we consider areas that are emerging and have the potential to provide future insights, including the interface of motivation and cognition, the influence of childhood adversity, metacognition, the role of neuroinflammation, computational modelling, the application of remote digital technology, and novel methods to evaluate brain network organization. The study of cognitive impairment has provided a way to approach, examine and comprehend a wide range of features of schizophrenia, and it may ultimately affect how we define and diagnose this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Green
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral SciencesUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCAUSA,Veterans Affairs Program for Enhancing Community Integration for Homeless VeteransLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - William P. Horan
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral SciencesUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCAUSA,Veterans Affairs Program for Enhancing Community Integration for Homeless VeteransLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Junghee Lee
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral SciencesUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCAUSA,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemLos AngelesCAUSA,Veterans Affairs Program for Enhancing Community Integration for Homeless VeteransLos AngelesCAUSA
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Velikonja T, Fett AK, Velthorst E. Patterns of Nonsocial and Social Cognitive Functioning in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:135-151. [PMID: 30601878 PMCID: PMC6439743 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Many studies have investigated impairments in cognitive domains in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, to date, a comprehensive overview on the patterns of cognitive functioning is lacking. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of nonsocial and social cognitive functioning in various domains in adults with ASD, allowing for comparison of the severity of deficits between different domains. DATA SOURCES A literature search performed in an academic medical setting was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Medline databases with the combination of the following free-text and Medical Subject Headings where applicable: [cogniti* OR neurocogniti* OR neuropsycholog* OR executive function* OR IQ OR intelligence quotient OR social cognition OR emotion perception OR affect perception OR emotion recognition OR attribution OR ToM OR mentalising OR mentalizing OR prosody OR social knowledge OR mind reading OR social cue OR social judgment] AND [autis* OR ASD OR Asperger OR Asperger's OR PDD OR pervasive developmental disorder]. The search was further limited to studies published between 1980 (first inclusion of autism diagnosis in the DSM-III) and July 2018. STUDY SELECTION Studies included were published as a primary peer-reviewed research article in English, included individuals with ASD 16 years or older, and assessed at least 1 domain of neurocognitive functioning or social cognition using standard measures. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Of 9892 articles identified and screened, 75 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hedges g effect sizes were computed, and random-effects models were used for all analyses. Moderators of between-study variability in effect sizes were assessed using meta-regressions. RESULTS The systematic review and meta-analysis included 75 studies, with a combined sample of 3361 individuals with ASD (mean [SD] age, 32.0 [9.3] years; 75.9% male) and 5344 neurotypical adults (mean [SD] age, 32.3 [9.1] years; 70.1% male). Adults with ASD showed large impairments in theory of mind (g = -1.09; 95% CI, -1.25 to -0.92; number of studies = 39) and emotion perception and processing (g = -0.80; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.55; n = 18), followed by medium impairments in processing speed (g = -0.61; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.38; n = 21) and verbal learning and memory (g = -0.55; 95% CI, -0.86 to -0.25; n = 12). The least altered cognitive domains were attention and vigilance (g = -0.30; 95% CI, -0.81 to 0.21; n = 5) and working memory (g = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.47 to 0.01; n = 19). Meta-regressions confirmed robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that adults with ASD show impairments in social cognitive domains and in specific nonsocial cognitive domains. These findings contribute to the understanding of the patterns of cognitive functioning in adults with ASD and may assist in the identification of targets for cognitive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjasa Velikonja
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Velthorst
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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18
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Le Gall E, Iakimova G. Cognition sociale dans la schizophrénie et les troubles du spectre de l’autisme : points de convergences et différences fonctionnelles. Encephale 2018; 44:523-537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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19
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Abstract
Neuropsychological assessment provides a profound analysis of cognitive functioning in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals on the autistic spectrum often show a high level of anxiety and are frequently affected by comorbidities that influence their quality of life. Yet, they also have cognitive strengths that should be identified in order to develop effective support strategies. This article presents an overview of five cognitive areas that are essential for neuropsychological evaluation (ie, intelligence, attention, executive function, social cognition, and praxis) and explores the underlying causes of behavioral problems in persons with ASD. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of meticulous neuropsychological testing with regard to cognitive remediation, a method that can help to enhance single cognitive processes in a targeted manner. Objective test results suggest it might be possible to promote an improved sense of coherence. In line with the salutogenic model, this may be fundamental for human health and well-being.
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Hirata K, Egashira K, Harada K, Nakashima M, Hirotsu M, Isomura S, Watanuki T, Matsubara T, Kaku Y, Kaneyuki H, Watanabe Y, Matsuo K. Differences in frontotemporal dysfunction during social and non-social cognition tasks between patients with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3014. [PMID: 29445197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21379-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although literature evidence suggests deficits in social and non-social cognition in patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), the difference in neural correlates of the impairments between the two disorders has not been elucidated. We examined brain function in response to a non-social cognition and a social cognition task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in 13 patients with ASD, 15 patients with SCZ, and 18 healthy subjects. We assessed the brain function of participants using a verbal fluency task and an emotional facial recognition task. The patients with ASD showed significantly reduced brain activation in the left frontotemporal area during both tasks compared to healthy subjects. The patients with ASD with larger score in ‘attention to detail’ in the autism spectrum quotient showed lower activation of the left frontotemporal area during the two tasks. The patients with SCZ showed significantly reduced activation, compared to healthy subjects, and greater activation, compared to patients with ASD, in the area during the verbal fluency task. The patients with SCZ with more severe symptoms had lower brain activation during the task in this area. Our results suggest that two distinct areas are involved in the distinctive brain pathophysiology relevant to cognitive processing in patients with ASD and SCZ.
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21
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Fernandes JM, Cajão R, Lopes R, Jerónimo R, Barahona-Corrêa JB. Social Cognition in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparisons. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:504. [PMID: 30459645 PMCID: PMC6232921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Deficits in social cognition are well-recognized in both schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, it is less clear how social cognition deficits differ between both disorders and what distinct mechanisms may underlie such differences. We aimed at reviewing available evidence from studies directly comparing social cognitive performance between individuals with schizophrenia and ASD. Methods: We performed a systematic review of literature up to May 22, 2018 on Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Search terms included combinations of the keywords "social cognition," "theory of mind," "autism," "Asperger," "psychosis," and "schizophrenia." Two researchers independently selected and extracted data according to PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for performance on social cognitive tasks evaluating: (1) emotion perception; (2) theory of mind (ToM); (3) emotional intelligence (managing emotions score of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test); and (4) social skills. Results: We identified 19 eligible studies for meta-analysis including a total of 1,040 patients (558 with schizophrenia and 482 with ASD). Eight studies provided data on facial emotion perception that evidenced a better performance by participants with schizophrenia compared to those with ASD (Hedges' g = 0.43; p = 0.031). No significant differences were found between groups in the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (8 studies; Hedges' g = 0.22; p = 0.351), other ToM tasks (9 studies; Hedges' g = -0.03; p = 0.903), emotional intelligence (3 studies; Hedges' g = -0.17; p = 0.490), and social skills (3 studies; Hedges' g = 0.86; p = 0.056). Participants' age was a significant moderator of effect size in emotion perception and RMET analyzes, with larger differences favoring patients with schizophrenia being observed in studies with younger participants. Conclusions: The instruments that are currently available to evaluate social cognition poorly differentiate between individuals with schizophrenia and ASD. Combining behavioral tasks with neurophysiologic assessments may better characterize the differences in social cognition between both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Fernandes
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rute Cajão
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lopes
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal.,CADIN-Neurodevelopment, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Rita Jerónimo
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Bernardo Barahona-Corrêa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal.,CADIN-Neurodevelopment, Cascais, Portugal.,Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Centre for the Unkown, Lisbon, Portugal.,Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
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22
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Zwick GP. Neuropsychological assessment in autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2017; 19:373-379. [PMID: 29398932 PMCID: PMC5789214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychological assessment provides a profound analysis of cognitive functioning in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Individuals on the autistic spectrum often show a high level of anxiety and are frequently affected by comorbidities that influence their quality of life. Yet, they also have cognitive strengths that should be identified in order to develop effective support strategies. This article presents an overview of five cognitive areas that are essential for neuropsychological evaluation (ie, intelligence, attention, executive function, social cognition, and praxis) and explores the underlying causes of behavioral problems in persons with ASD. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of meticulous neuropsychological testing with regard to cognitive remediation, a method that can help to enhance single cognitive processes in a targeted manner. Objective test results suggest it might be possible to promote an improved sense of coherence. In line with the salutogenic model, this may be fundamental for human health and well-being.
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23
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Xiao W, Ye F, Liu C, Tang X, Li J, Dong H, Sha W, Zhang X. Cognitive impairment in first-episode drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia: Relationships with serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:163-168. [PMID: 28342945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line -derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are important in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which plays a key role in the cognitive processes in psychiatric disorders. Our work aimed at exploring the associations between serum BDNF and GDNF levels and cognitive functions in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients with schizophrenia. METHODS The BDNF and GDNF levels of 58 FEDN patients and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were measured and test subjects were examined using several neurocognitive tests including the verbal fluency test (VFT), the trail making test (TMT), the digit span test (DST), and the Stroop test. RESULTS Patients performed significantly worse than controls in nearly all neurocognitive performances except the forward subscale part of the DST. BDNF levels were inversely correlated to TMT-part B scores and positively correlated to VFT-action in the FEDN group. GDNF levels showed a positive correlation with VFT-action scores and a negative correlation with TMT-part B scores of these patients. CONCLUSION Current data suggests that cognitive dysfunction widely exists in the early stages of schizophrenia. BDNF and GDNF may be jointly contributed to the pathological mechanisms involved in cognitive impairment in FEDN patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Chunlai Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangren Hospital, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang 835000, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Weiwei Sha
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225003, PR China.
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24
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Lee J, Green MF. Social Preference and Glutamatergic Dysfunction: Underappreciated Prerequisites for Social Dysfunction in Schizophrenia. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:587-96. [PMID: 27477199 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Impaired social functioning is pervasive in schizophrenia. Unfortunately, existing treatments have limited efficacy, and possible psychological or neurobiological mechanisms underlying social dysfunction in this disorder remain obscure. Here, we evaluate whether social preference, one key aspect of social processing that has been largely overlooked in schizophrenia research, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction can provide insights into the mechanism underlying social dysfunction in schizophrenia. Based on evidence from developmental psychology, and behavioral and clinical neuroscience, we propose a heuristic model in which reduced NMDAR function may induce disrupted social preference that can subsequently lead to social cognitive impairment and social disability. We discuss its implications in terms of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, other disorders with marked social disability, and potential treatments.
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