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Pharmacological interventions for social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

delete2026-04-06
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OA
AI
Y
Yuji Yamada
N
Norio Watanabe
Y
Yui Tomo
H
Hisateru Tachimori
T
Toru Horinouchi
T
Takashi Uchino
R
Ryotaro Kubota
H
Hiroki Okano
S
Shuhei Ishikawa
R
Ryo Sawagashira
DOI:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10159delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
BackgroundSocial cognitive impairments are a fundamental aspect of schizophrenia; exerting a substantial influence on patients’ functional outcomes. However; to date; there have been no meta-analyses of comprehensive pharmacological interventions covering all domains of social cognition. The aim of the present study was to address this knowledge gap by conducting a network meta-analysis; a comprehensive approach that systematically compares the efficacy of pharmacological interventions across all domains of social cognition.MethodsA literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed; Embase; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; PsycINFO; ClinicalTrials.gov; and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed.ResultsA total of 8; 752 records were screened; and 60 RCTs involving 4; 270 subjects were included in the systematic review. Thirty-six pharmacological interventions were extracted; but no compounds had a significant ameliorative effect on social cognition in comparison with placebo. In each domain of social cognition; the following compounds were identified as the most probable candidates for treatment selection: selective glycine uptake inhibitor (standardized mean difference [SMD]; 0.46; 95% credible interval [CI]; −0.52 to 1.44) and stimulant (SMD; 0.44; 95% CI; −0.57 to 1.45) for emotion perception in comparison with placebo. In the context of emotion processing; γ-aminobutyric acid (A) α2/α3 partial agonist (SMD; 0.33; 95% CI; −0.53 to 1.19) emerged as the top compound.ConclusionsTo date; no pharmacological interventions have demonstrated efficacy for social cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
Keywords:
attributional bias
emotion perception
emotion processing
empathy
social cognition
social perception
theory of mind

Journal

European Psychiatry cover
European Psychiatry
IF:
6.7
Papers:
2.1W
Citations:
8.1K

Organization

F
fukushima medical center of mental health
Scholars:
1
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
S
soseikai general hospital
Scholars:
1
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
N
national center of neurology and psychiatry
Scholars:
44
Papers: 13
Citations: 0
T
Toho University
Scholars:
5.0K
Papers: 3.8K
Citations: 2.4K
H
Hokkaido University
Scholars:
3.6W
Papers: 2.5W
Citations: 2.6W
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