Deficient cortical face-sensitive N170 responses and basic visual processing in schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Face detection, an ability to identify a visual stimulus as a face, is impaired in patients with schizophrenia. It is unclear whether impaired face processing in this psychiatric disorder results from face-specific domains or stems from more basic visual domains. In this study, we examined cortical face-sensitive N170 response in schizophrenia, taking into account deficient basic visual contrast processing.

Methods

We equalized visual contrast signals among patients (n=20) and controls (n=20) and between face and tree images, based on their individual perceptual capacities (determined using psychophysical methods). We measured N170, a putative temporal marker of face processing, during face detection and tree detection.

Results

In controls, N170 amplitudes

SUBMITTER: Maher S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4707115 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature