Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between genetic risk for schizophrenia and facial emotion recognition.

BACKGROUND: Recent research has highlighted that facial emotion recognition deficits are more common in people with schizophrenia, but the reason for this association is not well understood. Comparing facial recognition deficits in unaffected individuals at higher genetic risk for schizophrenia with individuals at lower genetic risk could increase our understanding of this relationship. METHODS: We systematically reviewed studies reporting on the relationship between genetic risk of schizophrenia and facial emotion recognition deficits. Meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data were available, otherwise we conducted narrative summaries. Meta-analyses were performed both for generalised and specific facial emotion recognition deficits. RESULTS: 34 studies were included in this review with 23 included in meta-analyses. Meta-analysis indicated strong evidence of a deficit in facial emotion recognition in first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia compared with controls (SMD 0.38 95% CI 0.26 to 0.51, p ≤ 0.001). Further meta-analyses demonstrated strong evidence of a deficit in the recognition of negative valence facial expressions (SMD 0.19 CI 0.06 to 0.32, p = 0.004) but no evidence of deficit in the recognition of neutral or positive valance. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence of facial emotion recognition deficits in first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that such deficits in people with schizophrenia arise prior to the onset of the disorder, though cannot inform whether that association is causal or due to confounding. Emotion recognition deficits, particularly to negative emotions, might be useful predictors of schizophrenia risk.

Respiratory health screening for opiate misusers in a specialist community clinic: a mixed-methods pilot study, with integrated staff and service user feedback.

OBJECTIVES: Increased rates of illicit drug inhalation are thought to expose opiate misusers (OMUs) to an enhanced risk of respiratory health problems. This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of undertaking respiratory screening of OMUs in a community clinic. SETTING: Single-centre UK community substance misuse clinic. PARTICIPANTS: All clinic attendees receiving treatment for opiate misuse were eligible to participate. 36 participants (mean age=37) were recruited over a 5-week period. The sample included 26 males and 10 females. OUTCOME MEASURES: Spirometry without bronchodilation; health related quality of life EQ-5D-3L; Asthma Control Test; Mini Asthma Quality of Life; Clinical COPD Questionnaire and the Treatment Outcome Profile were used to assess the respiratory health of participants. Findings were discussed with staff and service users in 2 patient and public involvement events and feedback was analysed thematically. RESULTS: 34 participants reported that they had smoked heroin. 8 participants diagnosed with asthma, scored under 13 on the Asthma Control Test, suggesting poorly controlled asthma. Participants (n=28), without a diagnosis of asthma completed the Lung Function Questionnaire. Of these, 79% produced scores under 18, indicating symptoms associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Spirometry showed 14% of all participants had forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.7 (without bronchodilator), indicating potential obstructive lung disease. Feedback from service users and staff suggested a willingness and capacity to deliver respiratory health screening programmes. Insight towards the difficulties service users have in accessing services and the burden of respiratory health was also provided. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to undertake respiratory health screening of OMUs in a community clinic. Larger screening studies are warranted to determine the prevalence of respiratory health problems in this population. Research regarding asthma medicines adherence and access to healthcare among OMUs is also required.