Neurophysiological Markers of Emotional Stimuli Processing in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder significantly affect the cognitive and emotional functioning of patients. Establishing reliable neurophysiological markers as objective assessment tools can increase diagnostic accuracy and improve outcomes.

To identify neurophysiological correlates of impaired facial expression perception in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and to develop a diagnostic model based on these markers.

The study included 86 participants: 26 with schizophrenia, 26 with schizoaffective disorder, and 34 healthy volunteers. The study recorded electrical brain activity in response to stimuli with faces showing happy, fearful, and neutral expressions using a 128-channel electroencephalographic system. The P100, N170, P200, and P300 components were analyzed. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to develop a diagnostic model.

We developed a diagnostic model that differentiates patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder from healthy participants. The model achieved 73.3% sensitivity and 80% specificity.

The findings demonstrate the diagnostic value of evoked potentials and support their application as a supplementary objective diagnostic tool.