Social cognitive impairment in 22q11 deletion syndrome: A review. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norkett, Emily M.; Lincoln, Sarah Hope; Gonzalez-Heydrich, Joseph; D'Angelo, Eugene J.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 253(2017)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Cognition -- Social perception -- Theory of mind -- DiGeorge Syndrome -- Psychotic disorders; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.01.103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) exhibit a broad array of physical and psychiatric features, of which impaired social cognition and poor social functioning are common. This review seeks to (1) characterize the current understanding of impairment across social cognitive domains in the context of 22q11DS, and (2) synthesize the relevant literature on social cognition and psychosis, given that the prevalence of psychosis in 22q11DS is especially high compared to the general population. A total of 16 papers examining social cognition in 22q11DS were identified through a comprehensive literature search conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed and PSYCInfo. Results suggest that individuals with 22q11DS exhibit impaired emotion processing and complex theory of mind relative to their typically developing peers, though some findings were accounted for by neurocognitive and intellectual abilities. Further, no studies have examined the domains of attribution bias or social perception in 22q11DS, highlighting a critical gap in the extant literature. More research is needed to better elucidate the trajectory of how and why social cognitive impairment develops in 22q11DS, and to explore possible relationships to psychiatric comorbidities like psychosis. Treatment implications and future steps are considered. Highlights: To date, only 15 papers have examined social cognition in 22q11DS. Individuals with 22q11DS show impaired emotion processing. Individuals with 22q11DS have difficulty with complex theory of mind. No studies have examined attribution bias or social perception in 22q11DS.