Theory of mind and executive functions in bipolar disorder patients and their first-degree relatives

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study it is aimed to compare the theory of mind skills and executive functions in bipolar disorder patients and their first degree relatives with controls, and to demonstrate the relationship between executive functions and theory of mind. METHODS: 30 patients with euthymic bipolar I disorder, their first degree relatives, and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Wechsler Adults Intelligence Test were applied to all participants; Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, Trail Making Test A and B, and Digit Span Test were applied to evaluate the executive functions; Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Hinting Task and Faux Pas Test were applied to evaluate the theory of mind skills. RESULTS: There was not any significant difference between the groups in terms of theory of mind, although total scores were seen from bad to good in bipolar patients, first degree relatives and controls respectively. Patient group had significantly lower performance in Trail Making Test A, and DigitSpan Test inverse number scores. As the severity of disease increased, cognitive functions and the theory of mind were seen to be worsened. The theory of mind was related to executive functions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we did not find significant losses in terms of theory of mind in bipolar patients and their first degree relatives. But bipolar patients had a deficiency in attention, psychomotor speed and verbal working memory; and theory of mind was related to executive functions.

Keywords

• bipolar disorder
• theory of mind
• executive functions