Theory of mind and schizophrenia: a review of the literature published over the last five years (2010–2014)

Abstract

The Theory of Mind (ToM), conceptualized as the ability to attribute beliefs, intentions or emotions to oneself or others and understand these mental states as the basis of actions, and the implications of their involvement in social cognition, have been of importance in recent years in the field of schizophrenia. A theoretical review of the literature published in the last five years (2010-2014) is presented. The dominance of biomedical model is observed, interested in finding the relationship between deficits in ToM skills and brain structures. In general, it can be concluded that ToM skills, constitute a predictor of social and global functioning, and may account for the understanding of sarcasm, figu-rative language and mood in patients with schizophrenia. The need of new paradigms, of interactive orientation and ecological validity is determined, overcoming the limitations of traditional measures used to assess ToM. Continuity and development of lines of intervention are crucial