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Empathy in individuals clinically at risk for psychosis: brain and behaviour

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Andreas FinkelmeyerORCiD

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Abstract

BackgroundEmpathy is a basic human ability, and patients with schizophrenia show dysfunctional empathic abilities on the behavioural and neural level.AimsThese dysfunctions may precede the onset of illness; thus, it seems mandatory to examine the empathic abilities in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.MethodUsing functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured 15 individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis (CHR group) and compared their empathy performance with 15 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with schizophrenia.ResultsBehavioural data analysis indicated no significant deficit in the CHR group. Functional data analysis revealed hyperactivation in a frontotemporoparietal network including the amygdala in the CHR group compared with the other two groups.ConclusionsDespite normal behavioural performance, the CHR group activated the neural empathy network differently and specifically showed hyperactivation in regions critical for emotion processing. This could suggest a compensatory mechanism reflecting emotional hypersensitivity or dysfunctional emotion regulation. Further investigations should clarify the role of these neural alterations for development and exacerbation of psychosis.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Derntl B, Michel TM, Prempeh P, Backes V, Finkelmeyer A, Schneider F, Habel U

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Psychiatry

Year: 2015

Volume: 207

Issue: 5

Pages: 407-413

Print publication date: 01/11/2015

Acceptance date: 13/01/2015

ISSN (print): 0007-1250

ISSN (electronic): 1472-1465

Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.114.159004

DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.159004


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
FWF P23533Austrian Science Fund
Ha3202/7DFG
IRTG 1328German Research Foundation (DFG)

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