Perception of emotional prosody in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (9th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kis, B.; Guberina, N.; Kraemer, M.; Niklewski, F.; Dziobek, I.; Wiltfang, J.; Abdel‐Hamid, M.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 135:Number 6(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 506
• Page End: 514
• Publication Date: 2017-03-09
• Subjects: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- social cognition -- empathy -- neuropsychology -- executive function; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.12719
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with social conflicts. The purpose of this study was to explore domains of social cognition in adult patients with ADHD. Methods: The assessment of social cognition was based on established neuropsychological tests: the Tübinger Affect Battery (TAB) for prosody and the Cambridge Behaviour Scale (CBS) for empathy. The performance of adults with ADHD ( N = 28) was compared with the performance of a control group ( N = 29) matched according to basic demographic variables. Results: Treatment‐naïve adults with ADHD showed deficits in emotional prosody ( P = 0.02) and in the ability to empathize ( P < 0.02) independent of executive functioning. In particular, their ability to perceive angry feelings was found to be compromised ( P = 0.04). When emotional prosody was considered in relation to facial expressions, patients and controls showed no impairments ( P > 0.2). No gender differences concerning social cognitive skills were detected. Conclusions: ADHD is associated with social cognition impairments involving both emotional prosody and empathy.