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Theory of mind and epilepsy: What clinical implications?
Author(s) -
Giovagnoli Anna Rita,
Parente Annalisa,
Villani Flavio,
Franceschetti Silvana,
Spreafico Roberto
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/epi.12255
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , epilepsy , psychology , cognition , anxiety , comprehension , clinical psychology , executive functions , frontal lobe , clinical significance , psychiatry , audiology , developmental psychology , medicine , linguistics , philosophy
Summary Purpose Epilepsy can impair theory of mind ( T o M ), but the clinical significance of such a deficit is unknown. This study evaluated the influence of selective T o M deficits on self‐appraisal, coping, and quality of life ( Q o L ) in patients with focal epilepsy. Methods Data were collected from 66 patients with temporal or frontal lobe epilepsy, and from 42 healthy controls. The F aux P as Task ( FPT ), Multiple Ability Self‐report Questionnaire ( MASQ ), Coping Responses Inventory‐Adult ( CRI ‐Adult), and World Health Organization Q o L 100 ( WHOQ o L 100) evaluated T o M , self‐rated cognitive abilities, coping to stressful events, and Q o L . Different tests and inventories assessed other cognitive functions, depression, and anxiety. Key Findings Patients were impaired in the recognition and comprehension of social faux pas. The FPT scores contributed to predict the MASQ , CRI ‐Adult, and WHOQ o L overall scores; the comprehension of others' mental states and interactions score exerted a prominent influence. Significance In patients with focal epilepsy, selective ToM deficits may have clinical implications, with specific influence on self‐appraisal, coping, and overall QoL. ToM evaluation may contribute in explaining some psychobehavioral difficulties and to plan nonpharmacological treatment.