The social brain in schizophrenia

Human beings are inherent social animals. Social cognition and interaction are essential tools in understanding other people and coming into contact with them. A major portion of the brain is responsible for the neuronal regulation of these processes. Areas of the frontal lobe, the fusiform gyrus and the amygdala with its connections play an important role in this neuronal network called the social brain. Schizophrenia is a disease where several subtypes have extensive deficits in social cognition and social skills. Overlaps between the social brain and the pathophysiology of schizophrenic diseases are in part responsible for these deficits. Looking at the specific subtypes, emphasis should be placed on the impaired visual exploration of faces with emotional valence and social situations. At present there is no adequate way to differentiate these subtypes depending on their psychopathology. This is, however, relevant and desirable for clinical use, to model an individualized therapy plan and make accurate decisions about specific rehabilitation based on objective parameters. Part of the following discussion will be, presenting an easy and reliable approach to identify those subtypes and creating perspectives for a more personalized therapy based on results from previous research.