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Face Tuning in Depression.
Kubon, Julian; Sokolov, Alexander N; Popp, Rebecca; Fallgatter, Andreas J; Pavlova, Marina A.
  • Kubon J; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
  • Sokolov AN; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
  • Popp R; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
  • Fallgatter AJ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
  • Pavlova MA; LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Cereb Cortex ; 31(5): 2574-2585, 2021 03 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-990573
ABSTRACT
The latest COVID-19 pandemic reveals that unexpected changes elevate depression bringing people apart, but also calling for social sharing. Yet the impact of depression on social cognition and functioning is not well understood. Assessment of social cognition is crucial not only for a better understanding of major depressive disorder (MDD), but also for screening, intervention, and remediation. Here by applying a novel experimental tool, a Face-n-Food task comprising a set of images bordering on the Giuseppe Arcimboldo style, we assessed the face tuning in patients with MDD and person-by-person matched controls. The key benefit of these images is that single components do not trigger face processing. Contrary to common beliefs, the outcome indicates that individuals with depression express intact face responsiveness. Yet, while in depression face sensitivity is tied with perceptual organization, in typical development, it is knotted with social cognition capabilities. Face tuning in depression, therefore, may rely upon altered behavioral strategies and underwriting brain mechanisms. To exclude a possible camouflaging effect of female social skills, we examined gender impact. Neither in depression nor in typical individuals had females excelled in face tuning. The outcome sheds light on the origins of the face sensitivity and alterations in social functioning in depression and mental well-being at large. Aberrant social functioning in depression is likely to be the result of deeply-rooted maladaptive strategies rather than of poor sensitivity to social signals. This has implications for mental well-being under the current pandemic conditions.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Paintings / Photic Stimulation / Depressive Disorder, Major / Facial Recognition / Social Cognition / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Language: English Journal: Cereb Cortex Journal subject: Brain Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Cercor

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Paintings / Photic Stimulation / Depressive Disorder, Major / Facial Recognition / Social Cognition / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Language: English Journal: Cereb Cortex Journal subject: Brain Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Cercor