[Original Article]Reduced schematic inference in patients with social anxiety disorder

[ABSTRACT]【Purpose】 Previous studies on social cognitive function in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study hypothesized that patients with SAD exhibit social cognitive function impairments, which may contribute to the disorder’s core symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate various aspects of social cognitive function in patients with SAD. 【Patients and methods】 This study included 27 patients with SAD (mean age = 26.19 ± 7.97 years) and 27 healthy controls(HC)(mean age = 27.89 ± 11.03 years) matched for age, sex, and intelligence quotient. Social cognitive function was assessed using the Social Cognition Screening Questionnaire(SCSQ)(Japanese version), which evaluates non-social cognitive abilities (working memory and schematic inference) and social cognitive domains (Theory of Mind(ToM), metacognition, and hostile attributional bias). 【Results】 The total SCSQ(U = 219, p = 0.012, r = -0.34) and schematic inference scores(U = 200.5, p = 0.003, r = -0.40) were significantly lower in the SAD group than in the HC group. Even after adjusting for Autism-Spectrum Quotient and Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition scores, the schematic inference scores remained significantly lower in the SAD group (F(1, 54) = 7.80, p = 0.007, η2p = 0.14), while no significant differences were observed in the total scores( F(1, 54) = 0.95, p = 0.333, η2p = 0.02). Social cognitive abilities were preserved in patients with SAD. 【Conclusions】 The findings suggest that patients with SAD may experience specific difficulties in interpreting ambiguous or uncertain information, potentially leading to misunderstandings and heightened anxiety during social interactions. This selective impairment in schematic inference, while preserving other social cognitive abilities, emphasizes a unique cognitive profile in patients. Clinicians should consider evaluating and adjusting for autistic traits and depressive symptoms when assessing the cognitive profile of patients with SAD, as these factors may contribute to their social difficulties and inform treatment strategies.

https://opac.ll.chiba-u.jp/da/curator/900123132/

The Chiba Medical Society

千葉医学会

Journal Article

AN00142148

Chiba medical journal

101E

1

11

20

2025-03-10

https://doi.org/10.20776/S03035476-101E-1-P11

eng

publisher

Chiba Medical Journal (ONLINE ISSN 2433-4235)