The relationship between theory of mind and social functioning within the schizophrenia spectrum

Abstract

Introduction

Current research shows that subjects with disorders belonging to the schizophrenia spectrum have a poor social functioning. There are several factors that can influence social functioning, social cognition being one of them.

Objectives

Assessing the ability to identify emotions and its role in the social functioning of subjects with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis.

Purpose

Increasing the social functioning of subjects with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis.

Method

We evaluated 31 subjects who were at their first admission to the Timisoara psychiatric clinic and who met the diagnostic criteria for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (a diagnosis of F20, F22 or F25 according to ICD 10). The following parameters were monitored: sociodemographic (gender, age of onset, educational level, marital and professional status), theory of mind (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test) and social functioning (GAF Scale). The subjects were evaluated during periods of remission. The acquired data was statistically processed.

Results

The results of the sociodemographic parameters analysis were similar to those in international literature. Most subjects showed a lack of theory of mind (a mean score of 18, standard deviation 5.84). All subjects experienced a decrease in social functioning (a mean score of 64.7 on the GAF Scale). There is a direct correlation between the ability to identify emotions and social functioning (Spearman R = 0.386, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A decreased ability to identify emotions is directly correlated with decreased social functioning in subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.