Dipl.-Psych. Stefan Lüttke

Developmental psychopathology of the social brain in major depression: Social cognition (Theory of Mind, empathy) in depressed children and adolescents

According to the social brain hypothesis the human brain is specialised for interacting with its social environment (Brothers, 1990). Significant parts of the neocortex are engaged when humans try to make sense of the emotions, intentions, and attitudes (Theory of Mind). What seems to be a simple, inborn and automatic process, is indeed a fascinating, highly complex human ability which develops within the first two decades of life. Patients with affective disorders such as unipolar depression apparently misinterpret their social environment. It is not clear yet, whether this misinterpretation is a symptom of a current depression or a depression-like trait, which itself causes depressive symptoms. Since Theory of Mind develops from birth onwards, I assume in the Theory of Mind-Model of Depression (Lüttke, 2016) impaired social-cognitive abilities to be a cause of depression. The hypothesises will be tested experimentally appling (epi-)genetics, neuroendocrinology (e.g. Oxytocin), psychophysiological (EEG, EMG), eye-tracking and imaging procedures.

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