The role of Theory of Mind and Empathy levels in Anxiety Disorders Symptomatology

Abstract

Introduction Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the ability to understand mental states of other people. Recent studies explored its role in various psychopathological disorders, but evidence lacks on the relationship existing between specific psychopathological domains and ToM. Objectives We aimed to investigate the relationship between psychopathology of Anxiety Disorders (AD) and Theory of Mind. Methods We enrolled 35 patients admitted to the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi Hospital in Florence with diagnosis of AD. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between variables. Results A significant positive correlation was detected between RMET scores and ZSAS total scores (r=0.385, p=0.022), MCQ-30 Negative Beliefs about Uncontrollability and Danger subscale (MCQ-30-Neg, r=0.407, p=0.015), and MCQ-30 Cognitive Self-Consciousness subscale (MCQ-30-CSC, r=0.349, p=0.040). Correlations between the variables in the study and Reading the mind in the eyes total scores are shown. RMET total score r p MCQ-30-Neg 0.407 0.015 MCQ-30-CSC 0.349 0.040 MCQ-30 Positive beliefs about Worry 0.073 0.667 MCQ-30 Lack of Cognitive Confidence -0.245 0.155 MCQ-30 Need to Control Thoughts 0.311 0.069 ZSAS total scores 0.385 0.022 Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a relationship between Theory of Mind and AD psychopathology. In particular, some dimensions of AD psychopathology seem to predict higher Theory of Mind levels. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• Empathy
• Theory of Mind
• Anxiety disorders
• Anxiety