A pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of emotion recognition remediation in schizophrenia using the micro-expression training tool.

OBJECTIVE

Emotion recognition impairments are a common feature of schizophrenia. This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of the 'micro-expressions training tool' (METT) to help improve this skill.

METHOD

Twenty patients with schizophrenia and 20 healthy matched control participants completed the assessment, training and practice subsections of the METT. They were additionally evaluated pre- and post-training on an emotion-matching task (EMT).

RESULTS

Both groups improved with METT training; patients with schizophrenia improved to a level that did not distinguish them from pre-trained controls (on both METT and EMT assessments).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with schizophrenia make significant improvements in emotion recognition following training with this tool, suggesting that brief remediation therapy may be a valuable adjunct to existing treatment programmes.