Mirror neuron dysfunction in schizophrenia and its functional implications: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT: Dysfunctional mirror neuron activity (MNA) has been posited to underlie diverse symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., ego-boundary disturbances, negative symptoms, social cognition impairments and catatonic symptoms). In this paper, we systematically review studies that have empirically compared putative MNA in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects using different neurophysiological probes. Majority of the studies (n=9) reported reduced MNA in patients. Two each reported either increased MNA or mixed (both increased and decreased) results, while only one study reported normal findings. Reduced MNA was associated with greater negative symptoms and theory of mind deficits. The neurophysiological technique, task paradigms used, specific brain regions studied and laterality did not influence

SUBMITTER: Mehta UM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6284797 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature