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Reduced capacity for empathy in corticobasal syndrome and its impact on carer burden
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 00:39 authored by Southi, N, Cynthia HonanCynthia Honan, Hodges, JR, Piguet, O, Kumfor, FCorticobasal syndrome (CBS) is clinically characterised by a wide range of motor, cognitive, and behavioural features but remains challenging to diagnose accurately. Despite recent evidence supporting the presence of social cognition and emotion processing disturbances, few studies have explored the nature of empathic ability in CBS. This study aimed to (a) investigate the extent to which cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy are affected in CBS and (b) to determine the impact of such changes on carer burden. Empathic capacity was assessed in 29 CBS patients and 28 matched healthy controls. We employed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), an instrument measuring: (a) perspective taking, (b) fantasy, (c) empathic concern, and (d) personal distress. A significant change in both perspective taking and empathic concern was observed in CBS following disease onset. Furthermore, affective empathy deficits in CBS patients predicted higher levels of carer burden. Disturbances in both cognitive and affective empathy are present in CBS and lead to increased levels of carer burden.
History
Publication title
International Journal of Geriatric PsychiatryVolume
34Pagination
497-503ISSN
0885-6230Department/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
John Wiley & Sons LtdPlace of publication
The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, England, W Sussex, Po19 8SqRights statement
Copyright 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted