Processing facial emotions in adults with velo-cardio-facial syndrome: functional magnetic resonance imaging

We studied the functional neuroanatomy of social behaviour in velocardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) using a facial emotional processing task and functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults with this syndrome and controls matched for age and IQ. The VCFS group had less activation in the right insula and frontal brain regions and more activation in occipital regions. Genetically determined abnormalities in pathways including those involved in emotional processing may underlie deficits in social cognition in people with VCFS. Declaration of interest None. The study was part funded by the Stanley Foundation and the Medical Research Council.