Perception of nonverbal facial cues in chronic phencyclidine abusers.

The ability to interpret nonverbal facial cues was tested in 10 young white male chronic phencyclidine (PCP) abusers. When their responses were compared with those of age-matched controls, abusers were significantly more accurate in interpreting the facial cues of videotaped medical interns. Phencyclidine abusers tend to form a socially maladroit and downwardly mobile group. However, previous studies of similar maladroit populations such as heroin addicts have indicated that they are less accurate in interpretation of nonverbal facial cues. The complex action of multiple affected neurotransmitters in PCP abusers was examined. Dopamine and serotonin were thought to be the relevant transmitters.