Deficits in recognition of facial expressions of emotion (RFEE) play a central role
in the manifestation of anxiety disorders (AD). We systematically reviewed the literature
to determine effects of drugs used in AD treatment on RFEE, based on outcomes of accuracy
rate, reaction time, and intensity. Electronic databases, including Pubmed, PsycINFO,
and Scielo, were used without time constraints. Twenty-six clinical/experimental studies
on healthy subjects, focusing on 11 drugs, published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish,
were selected. We found that increased recognition of happiness was associated with
acute use of citalopram, fluoxetine, duloxetine, and reboxetine. Increased and decreased
recognition of negative emotions were associated with the use of selective serotonin
and/or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, respectively. Benzodiazepine favored recognition
of negative emotions. Differences in reaction time were rarely observed. Stimuli with
distinct emotion intensities produced similar effects. Specific changes occurred in
RFEE depending on the drug, its administration route and dose, and emotion valence.
Evidences indicate significant effects on emotional processing relevant to clinical
practice, particularly in treating patients with emotional disorders.