Theory of Mind and Clinical Disorders: Schizophrenia

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to realize that others have their own minds just as we have our own (Frith, 2004). This paper discusses how ToM has been studied in context of schizophrenia, specifically how these deficits may explain some of the symptoms presented. It also tackles the debate of whether ToM deficits are a state marker or a trait marker of schizophrenia. State markers are clinical manifestations of schizophrenia after onset, while trait markers are biological and behavioural predispositions present even before onset of the disorder. Both these models are explained, and unique experimental, longitudinal and familial studies are reviewed to explore tenets of this debate. Given that there exist several forms of schizophrenia, and each diagnosis is unique, it is difficult to conclusively categorize ToM deficits as a state or a trait marker. There is compelling evidence for both models, therefore it is suggested that there may be state modulation of a trait effect, and we may need to consider a third model altogether to accommodate both models. Further, limitations of current research and some future directions are also discussed