Dissociation of affect recognition and mood state from blunting in patients with schizophrenia

The present study was designed to investigate the relationships between expression, perception, and experience of emotion in schizophrenic patients with and without affective blunting. Cognitive processing speed, emotional perception, and emotional experience were assessed in 25 schizophrenic patients grouped according to scores on a measure of overt emotional expression (Rating Scale for Emotional Blunting). Results showed dissociation of emotional expression from emotional perception and emotional experience. Blunted schizophrenic patients were no more impaired in the perception of emotion (Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity) than non-blunted schizophrenic patients. In addition, groups did not differ in intensity of emotional experience as quantified on the self-report of arousal state (Positive and Negative Affect Scales). Accuracy of perception and reported experience of emotion did not differ between groups as a function of emotional valence. Cognitive processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test; SDMT) was related to blunting score and to perception accuracy, although the SDMT did not differ between groups. Results are discussed in terms of a neuropathological basis for impairment of emotional expression.