Déficit en théorie de l'esprit dans la schizophrénie

Abstract

Theory of mind deficit in schizophrenia : Which consequences ? Which remedies ? Initially categorized as a speculative theoretical model that was based solely on the reinterpretation of indications of morbidity, the hypothesis of a theory of mind deficit is now the object of widespread experimental validation. A wide variety of procedures have been developed to reveal the existence of a theory of mind deficit in certain schizophrenic patients. These procedures have often been inspired by those use in the study of autism. However, all share cognitive neuropsychology as their common framework and attempt to explain an explanatory link between a theory of mind deficit and its clinical « consequences », namely : the presence of symptoms such as delusions of persecution or reference or signs of disorganisation in the area of communication. The various experimental situations have also make it possible to identify the role of a number of variables in the difficulty patients have in attributing mental states to others. Thus, the following appear to be involved to a greater or lesser extent : the frequency in everyday life of the situations considered, iq, and the importance of the general symptomatology. Finally, a variety of data allow us to envisage certain « remedial » strategies for schizophrenic patients who show an impaired theory of mind.