From Brain Currents to Interpersonal Flow: Investigating the Social Processing Stream of Schizophrenia

From Brain Currents to Interpersonal Flow: Investigating the Social Processing Stream of Schizophrenia

The overall objective of this project is to identify the neural signature of the impaired ability to relate socially seen in individuals with schizophrenia. A hypothesized path from the neural processes of social cognition, to social cognition assessed behaviorally, to real-life social interactions is examined. Secondary aims are to compare electrophysiological measures of high vs low level social cognition; to develop assessment methods of real-life behavior; and to increase the ecological validity of schizophrenia research. Much research within the field is devoid of personal meaning and interpersonal context. This project's use of personalized assessment allows for an ecologically valid approach to the social deficits of schizophrenia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• schizophrenia
• schizoaffective disorder

Exclusion Criteria

• diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• severe head trauma
• neurological disease