AUTHOR=Zhao Wenxuan , Zhang Qi , Gao Long , Fan Ning , Yun Yajun , Song Jiaqi , Ji Yunhe , Wang Yongqian , Zhang Meng , Yang Fude , Tan Shuping 

TITLE=A network analysis of facial and vocal emotion recognition deficits in schizophrenia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1598026

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1598026

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=IntroductionFacial and vocal emotion recognition deficits are common in individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsIn this observational, single-center study, 106 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and 118 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent cognitive and emotional function assessments. The Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), Personal and Social Performance Scale, Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, and Brief Negative Symptom Scale were used to evaluate psychotic symptoms in the SCZ group. Participants were assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and emotion recognition tests involving 42 facial and 42 vocal emotional tasks.ResultsThe SCZ group had significant impairments in facial and vocal emotion recognition, with lower accuracy across all emotional categories. Mean scores in the SCZ group were significantly lower than those in the control group (facial, 23.55 ± 7.10 vs. 31.86 ± 5.16; vocal, 18.64 ± 9.48 vs. 29.42 ± 5.01, respectively; p<0.001). Emotion recognition deficits and demographic or clinical characteristics were not significantly correlated. Network analysis revealed strong intercorrelations among different cognitive domains, linking MCCB performance to emotion recognition abilities (r>0.9; p<0.001). Integration of tests of cognitive function (MCCB, area under the curve [AUC]=91.90%, p<0.01), emotion recognition abilities (facial, AUC=82.56%; vocal, AUC=82.82%; p<0.01), and TEPS (AUC=91.13%, p<0.01) proved useful for distinguishing patients with schizophrenia from healthy individuals.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of emotion recognition impairments in schizophrenia and their strong association with cognitive deficits. Future interventions should focus on targeted cognitive and affective training strategies. Incorporating multimodal assessments into clinical evaluations may enhance diagnostic accuracy.