Theory of mind and social functioning in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Resource
Epilepsia, 56(7), 1117-1123
Journal
Epilepsia
Pages
1117-1123
Date Issued
2015
Date
2015
Author(s)
Wang, Wei-Han
Shih, Yang-Hsin
Yu, Hsiang-Yu
Yen, Der-Jen
Lin, Yung-Yang
Kwan, Shang-Yeong
Chen, Chien
Hua, Mau-Sun
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of theory of mind (ToM) and related potential risk factors, including cognitive functions, psychiatric status, and seizure-related clinical variables, on social functioning in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
MethodsSixty-seven patients with intractable TLE who were potential candidates for epilepsy surgery and 30 matched controls were included. All participants completed four tasks measuring different levels of ToM (False Belief, Faux Pas Recognition, Implication Stories, and Visual Cartoon), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Social and Occupational Functioning Scale for Epilepsy (SOFSE), and neuropsychological tests.
ResultsThe patients exhibited impairments in both basic and advanced ToM. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following: (1) the SOFSE total score was significantly predicted by the Faux Pas Recognition (FPR), Global Severity Index (GSI) score of the SCL-90-R, and Full-Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), which accounted for 38%, 11%, and 8% of the variance, respectively; and (2) the FPR was a significant predictor of all SOFSE subscales, whereas the GSI score contributed substantially to the Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, and Occupation subscales of the SOFSE.
SignificanceAdvanced ToM, measured by impaired faux pas recognition, is a relatively strong predictor of poor social functioning in surgical candidates for intractable TLE. Identifying ToM impairment may help plan nonpharmacologic treatment for improving social functions in patients with intractable TLE.
Subjects
Theory of mind
Social cognition
Social functioning
Epilepsy
Cognitive function
Other Subjects
adult; Article; Clinical Global Impression scale; cognitive defect; comparative study; controlled study; correlation analysis; female; human; human relation; intelligence quotient; interpersonal communication; leisure; major clinical study; male; mental health; neuropsychological test; priority journal; recognition; risk factor; scoring system; Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale; social cognition; social interaction; Symptom Checklist 90; task performance; temporal lobe epilepsy; theory of mind; Wechsler Intelligence Scale; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; neuropsychological test; photostimulation; physiology; procedures; psychology; psychomotor performance; social behavior; young adult; Adult; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Female; Humans; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Photic Stimulation; Psychomotor Performance; Social Behavior; Theory of Mind; Young Adult