Comparison of theory of mind abilities in adolescents with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the theory of mind skills among children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients aged between 12-16 years who were diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder diagnostic criteria were included in the study. A detailed form was used for evaluating sociodemographic characteristics and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC-R) for assessing cognitive functions of patients. In order to evaluate psychopathologies, Schedule For Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia For School-Age Children-present and lifetime version was applied. Theory of mind skills were examined with false belief tests, reading the mind in the eyes task and hinting task. Results: Adolescents with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder group showed poorer performance than adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder in the first and second level theory of mind tests adolescents with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder group had significantly lower scores of reading the mind in the eyes task than adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder. Conlusion: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder had differences in theory of mind skills and that theory of mind skills should be reviewed with new methods in addition to the existing methods for diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• theory of mind
• false belief
• attention deficit and hiperactivity disorder
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• zihin kuramı
• yanlış inanç
• dikkat eksikliği ve hiperaktivite bozukluğu
• obsesif kompulsif bozukluk