Olanzapine effects on emotional recognition in treatment refractory schizophrenics

Authors

  • G. Y. Ibarrarán-Pernas Neurosciences Institute. University of Guadalajara
  • L. F. Cerdán Community Center of Mental Health No 1. Mexican Institute of the Social Security. México
  • M. A. Guevara Neurosciences Institute. University of Guadalajara
  • J. Ramos-Loyo Neurosciences Institute. University of Guadalajara

Keywords:

Refractory schizophrenia, Olanzapine, Emotional recognition, Depression

Abstract

Introduction. The main purpose of this study was to determine if olanzapine (OLZ) can improve the ability to recognize emotional expressions, in the facial, prosodic and contextual modalities in treatment refractory schizophrenics (TRS) and, if this could be related to its effects on depressive symptoms.

Method. 14 TRS participated in the study. The Calgary Depression Scale and tasks for recognition of facial, prosodic and contextual emotions were applied prior to and 8 weeks after consuming OLZ. The results were compared to a control group (CO).

Results. TRS obtained lower scores than the CO on the recognition of facial and prosodic emotions. They also showed less empathy to the happiness film and they expressed incongruous answers on the contextual emotions. The TRS increased the number of correct responses for the prosodic recognition of happiness and they showed a reduction in their depressive symptomatology after OLZ treatment.

Conclusions. OLZ caused a decrease of the depressive symptoms and improved the interpretation of positive prosodic affective stimuli, an aspect that may facilitate the social adaptation of TRS.

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Published

2003-09-01

How to Cite

Ibarrarán-Pernas, G. Y., et al. “Olanzapine Effects on Emotional Recognition in Treatment Refractory Schizophrenics”. Actas Españolas De Psiquiatría, vol. 31, no. 5, Sept. 2003, pp. 256-62, https://actaspsiquiatria.es/index.php/actas/article/view/1161.

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 5 (2003)

Section

Original