Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda.

ABSTRACT:

Issues

Elucidating the role of empathic processes in developmental pathways to substance use disorders could have important implications for prevention.

Approach

We searched the biomedical and social sciences literature to determine what is known about empathy and psychopathological manifestations of severe lack of empathy in the initiation, development and maintenance of psychoactive substance use. Thirty-seven empirical studies were identified and formally reviewed.

Key findings

Adults with alcohol and stimulant use disorders exhibited detectable impairments in both cognitive and affective empathy, measured behaviourally, neuroanatomically and by self-report, relative to controls. There were no developmental studies specifically designed to test the role of empathy

SUBMITTER: Massey SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5681447 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature