Alterations in facial expressions in individuals at risk for psychosis: a facial electromyography approach using emotionally evocative film clips.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Negative symptoms such as blunted facial expressivity are characteristic of schizophrenia. However, it is not well-understood if and what abnormalities are present in individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

This experimental study employed facial electromyography (left zygomaticus major and left corrugator supercilia) in a sample of CHR individuals (N = 34) and healthy controls (N = 32) to detect alterations in facial expressions in response to emotionally evocative film clips and to determine links with symptoms.

Results

Findings revealed that the CHR group showed facial blunting manifested in reduced zygomatic activity in response to an excitement (but not amusement, fear, or sadness) film clip compared to controls. Re

SUBMITTER: Gupta T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10130238 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature