Features of emotion recognition by facial expression in patients with epilepsy

The assessment of other person's emotions by facial expression is important for social interaction, especially in case of various cerebral disorders. Aim. The research is aimed at investigating the features of emotion recognition by facial expression in patients with epilepsy compared to apparently healthy persons. Materials and methods. The study involved one experimental (epilepsy patients) and one control group. A total of 44 persons participated in the study, including 33 women (75%) and 11 men (25%). The average age of the sample was 25 (4.6) years (M (σ)). The experimental group consisted of 17 participants, including 8 women (47%) and 9 men (53%) with the average age of 26.9 (5.7) years. The control group consisted of 27 participants, including 25 women (92.5%) and 2 men (7.5%) with the average age of 23.7 (3.4) years. The participants were recruited in the program between July 2020 and March 2021. Each participant used the computer program “Emotion Recognition” created on the basis of the “Dynamic Faces” database (Emotional Facial Expression, KDEF-dyn database). Two parameters were evaluated, namely the speed and accuracy of emotion recognition. The study hypothesizes that emotion recognition by mimic expression of the negative spectrum in epilepsy patients will differ from those of apparently healthy participants. Results. Impairments in the recognition of negative emotions (sadness, anger, and disgust) by mimic expression were found in patients with epilepsy. A decrease in the rate of disgust recognition was also found compared to apparently healthy participants. Conclusion. The data obtained can explain interpersonal problems that affect the quality of life in epilepsy patients and serve as a basis for the development of psychotherapeutic programs for improving interpersonal skills and social adaptation of epilepsy patients.