Investigating the relationship of theory of mind and empathy with neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric data in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Soc Neurosci
; 19(2): 85-93, 2024 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38915249
ABSTRACT
Theory of Mind (ToM) is understanding others' minds. Empathy is an insight into emotions and feelings of others. Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) may experience impairment in ToM and empathy. To investigate ToM, empathy, and their relationship with neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric data. 41 pwMS and 41 HC were assessed using RMET for ToM, EQ, BICAMS, HADS. Cortical and subcortical gray matter volumes were calculated with Freesurfer from 3T MRI scans. pwMS showed lower EQ scores (44.82 ± 11.9 vs 51.29 ± 9.18, p = 0.02) and worse RMET performance (22.37 ± 4.09 vs 24,47 ± 2.93, p = 0.011). Anxiety and depression were higher in pwMS. EQ correlated with subcortical (amygdala) and cortical (anterior cingulate) volumes. RMET correlated with cortical volumes (posterior cingulate, lingual). In regression analysis, amygdala volume was the single predictor of empathy performance (p = 0.041). There were no significant correlations between social cognitive tests and general cognition. A weak negative correlation was found between EQ and the level of anxiety (r = -0.342, p = 0.038) The present study indicates that pwMS have impairment on ToM and empathy. The performance of ToM and empathy in MS is linked to the volumes of critical brain areas involved in social cognition.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Imagen por Resonancia Magnética
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Empatía
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Teoría de la Mente
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Esclerosis Múltiple
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Pruebas Neuropsicológicas
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Soc Neurosci
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Turquía
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido