The association between symptom severity and theory of mind impairment in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Levi-Shachar O, Gvirts HZ, Goldwin Y, Bloch Y, Shamay-Tsoory S, Boyle D, Maoz H.
Psychiatry Res. 2021 Jul 2;303:114092.
doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114092.
Commentary* by Dr. Margaret Weiss: Emotional dysregulation and executive function are domains closely related to ADHD. It would appear we may need to consider Theory of Mind to be a third such domain.
ABSTRACT
The aim was to investigate the correlation between ADHD symptom severity and impairments in « theory of mind » (ToM) and empathy, and the improvement in these functions following the administration of methylphenidate (MPH).
Fifty children aged 6-12 years with ADHD participated in the study. Symptom severity was assessed using the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire-IV (SNAP-IV). ToM performance was assessed using the « ToM test » and the « Faux-Pas Recognition Test ».
A significant negative correlation was found between the SNAP-IV Conners index, the oppositional and deportment subscales, and ToM test scores. MPH administration improved ToM scores in a magnitude that was negatively correlated with baseline performance.
Additionally, Children with more severe behavioral problems showed greater improvement in ToM following administration of MPH.
We conclude that severity of ADHD symptoms, most notably behavioral symptoms, is correlated with deficits in ToM. Administration of MPH improves ToM performance, with the greatest improvement occurring in children with more severe behavioral symptoms.
* Les résumés scientifiques (abstracts) sont sélectionnés pour leur pertinence clinique par Dre. Margaret Weiss, Directrice de la recherche clinique, pédopsychiatrie, Cambridge Health Alliance, Université Harvard. Ses commentaires reflètent sa propre opinion. Ils ne sont ni approuvés par la CADDRA, ni nécessairement représentatifs de celle-ci.