Accessing role of chronicity on theory of mind in schizophrenia

Theory of mind (TOM) refers to the capacity to infer one's own and other persons' mental states. Several studies provide convincing evidence of a specific deficit in the theory of mind (ToM) in patients with schizophrenia. The present study attempts to access role of chronicity on Theory of mind in schizophrenia patients. Total 25 patients with ICD-10 DCR diagnosis of schizophrenia were selected as sample for the study from the inpatient department. Theory of Mind Task was used for exploring TOM in Schizophrenia patients. To study the variables independent samples test and chi-square (2) test were used. There was no significant correlation found between duration of illness and Theory of mind in schizophrenia patients. Duration of illness does not influence the theory of mind deficit in schizophrenia patients. This study adds to the growing literature on ToM by suggesting that theory of mind deficit might represent a trait rather than a state marker in schizophrenia.