Programa de entrenamiento en imitación de emociones faciales en pacientes con esquizofrenia

Abstract

Emotional recognition is impaired in patients with schizophrenia. The disruption of the rapid facial mimicry in schizophrenia has been demonstrated and it is hypothesized that a dysfunction in the mirror neuron system (MNS) may be related to the impairment in emotional recognition. Some authors have demonstrated the effectiveness of facial imitation in vivo to improve the recognition of facial emotions. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability as well as to obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of an online training in imitation of facial emotions in improving emotion recognition in patients with schizophrenia. Participants and method: A pilot study was conducted with 19 patients with schizophrenia distributed in two groups: intervention group (n = 10) recruited from the psychosocial care centers Albores (Lugo) received online training in imitation of facial emotions, included in e-Motional Training® for 4 months, 60 min. per week (divided into two sessions). The control group (n = 9) does not receive specific training. A previous and post-intervention evaluation was performed, applying the tests of identification of facial emotions (Ekman 60 and ER40), the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale ( PANSS) and the Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT). Results: The intervention group presented a statistically significant improvement in the total score of Ekman 60 (p = 0.024) and ER40 (p = 0.011). The control group did not present pre/post intervention variations. Discussion: Training in imitation of facial emotions may improve emotional recognition in patients with schizophrenia. This encouraging preliminary data we hope will be confirmed in a future RCT