Oral contraceptives may alter the detection of emotions in facial expressions
Hamstra, D.A.; De Rover, M.; De Rijk, R.H.; Van der Does, W.
European Neuropsychopharmacology the Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology 24(11): 1855-1859
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0924-977X PMID: 25224104 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.08.015Document Number: 623375
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.
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