Oral contraceptives may alter the detection of emotions in facial expressions.

Authors :: Hamstra DA
De Rover M
De Rijk RH
Van der Does W
Source :: European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology [Eur Neuropsychopharmacol] 2014 Nov; Vol. 24 (11), pp. 1855-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Sep 01.
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: A possible effect of oral contraceptives on emotion recognition was observed in the context of a clinical trial with a corticosteroid. Users of oral contraceptives detected significantly fewer facial expressions of sadness, anger and disgust than non-users. This was true for trial participants overall as well as for those randomized to placebo. Although it is uncertain whether this is an effect of oral contraceptives or a pre-existing difference, future studies on the effect of interventions should control for the effects of oral contraceptives on emotional and cognitive outcomes.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Adolescent
Adult
Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology
Female
Fludrocortisone pharmacology
Humans
Contraceptives, Oral pharmacology
Emotions
Facial Expression
Recognition, Psychology drug effects

Language :: English
ISSN :: 1873-7862
Volume :: 24
Issue :: 11
Database :: MEDLINE
Journal :: European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
Publication Type :: Academic Journal
Accession number :: 25224104
Full Text :: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.08.015