ABSTRACT
Neural mechanisms are traditionally examined from different theoretical angles. Similarly, social neuroscience emphasizes the important role that the social environment and neural systems play in the development of social behavior. Thus, this study aims to describe how social neuroscience uses the brain mapping theory and hypothesis testing approach to explain the functioning of social cognition. This approach points out that brain areas, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), lateral temporal cortex, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, are specialized in processing social information. These areas are also linked to the regulation of interpersonal relationships, social cooperation, values, empathy, and moral behavior. However, how does social neuroscience explain the phenomena of social behavior? What is the explanation of the social self? Social neuroscience has theoretical and methodological features that bring it closer to a paradigm of social research and neuroscience; the form of mechanistic analysis of biological and cognitive structures broadly describes a neurocognitive mechanism for explaining human social behavior.
ABSTRACT
Although some studies have reported perceptual changes in psychosis, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about visual disturbances that are related to bipolar disorder (BPD). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate colour vision in BPD patients. Data were recorded from 24 participants: healthy control group (n = 12) and type 1 BPD group (n = 12). The participants were 20-45 years old and they were free from neurological disorders and identifiable ocular disease and had normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity. Colour discrimination was evaluated using the Lanthony D-15d, Trivector and Ellipse tests, using a psychophysical forced-choice method. The relationship of visual measures to mood state and cognitive function was also investigated. The results showed that BPD patients had higher colour discrimination thresholds in the D15d (p < 0.001), Trivector (p < 0.001) and Ellipse (p < 0.01) tests compared with healthy controls. Linear regression analysis showed that mood state was related to colour discrimination. BPD individuals were not impaired in cognitive tasks. The present study provided new evidence of potential links between type 1 BPD and visual processing impairments. This research suggests a new direction for studies and the need for research in this field of study.
