Deficits of ‘Cognitive’ and ‘Affective’ Theory of Mind in Euthymic Bipolar Patients Type I

Objective: This study aimed to assess deficits of cognitive and emotional aspects of theory of mind in patients with bipolar disorder type 1 within a remission period. Methods: In this case- control study, 30 bipolar patients and 30 normal individuals were selected through Purposive sampling method for the purpose of the study. Then, they were matched based on their educational background and age. Finally, all participants were asked to complete the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), eyes test, Theory of Mind Picture Stories Tasks. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test. Results: Results show that there is a significant difference between two groups regarding their scores of cognitive theory of mind (t=4.85, P<0.01). and emotional theory of mind(t=4.54, P<0.01). and their reaction time for cognitive test(t=10.34, P<0.01) and emotional test(t=4.61, P<0.01). Conclusion: The results show that bipolar patients type I with remission period have deficit regarding cognitive and emotional theory of mind. And because of this, they are weak in understanding others ’cognitive mind states like opinions and ambitions, and others’ emotional mind states like feelings and emotions. In fact, it can be concluded that the deficit in Theory of cognitive and emotional mind in bipolar patients with remission period can be the result of the malfunction of brain regions and cognitive infrastructures like executive performances.