Theory of Mind in the Early Course of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Theory of mind deficit is a core feature of schizophrenia and is considered a vulnerability marker of the disorder. The majority of studies measuring theory of mind in schizophrenia involve multiple-episode or chronic schizophrenia patients, and therefore it is important to delineate whether these deficits occur before or following illness-onset by assessing high-risk subjects (clinical high risk and ultra-high risk), early-onset psychosis, and first-degree relatives. We address the question of whether theory of mind impairment is specific or a facet of general cognitive impairment in these clinical populations, and incorporate genetic and neuroimaging studies on theory of mind. The review provides a succinct evaluation of the literature, discusses current limitations and proposes future directions.

Relationship of neurocognitive ability, perspective taking, and psychoticism with hostile attribution bias in non-clinical participants: Theory of mind as a mediator

“…ToM deficit is also known to be closely related to mental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. In particular, in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, ToM deficit has been reported in not only full-blown psychosis but also prodromal phases, and it was reported to be a factor associated with an ultra-high risk for psychosis ( Van Donkersgoed et al, 2015 ; S Vyas et al, 2017 ; van Neerven et al, 2021 ).…”