Self-reported empathy and neural activity during action imitation and observation in schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Although social cognitive impairments are key determinants of functional outcome in schizophrenia their neural bases are poorly understood. This study investigated neural activity during imitation and observation of finger movements and facial expressions in schizophrenia, and their correlates with self-reported empathy.

Methods

23 schizophrenia outpatients and 23 healthy controls were studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they imitated, executed, or simply observed finger movements and facial emotional expressions. Between-group activation differences, as well as relationships between activation and self-reported empathy, were evaluated.

Results

Both patients and controls similarly activated neural systems previously associated

SUBMITTER: Horan WP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4087183 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature