Abstract
The concept of "Theory of Mind" (ToM) is defined as the cognitive ability to represent one's own and others' mental states, in terms of thoughts and beliefs, but also of desires, demands and feelings, so that one can explain and predict behaviour. In this work the theoretical profiles, the main reference models, the related neurobiological and clinical profiles are analysed, orienting future research on the question whether or not it is interesting to further investigate the theoretical aspects under examination, such as empathy and the perception of the self and the other in relation to the neurobiological components, to draw a common line able to connect the loss of these functions with the accentuation or the onset of certain pathologies, wondering whether it is the functional compromises of these capacities and functions that cause the psychopathological condition to arise or whether it is rather the disease that induces the dysfunctional modification of these capacities or functions.
Highlights
The concept of "Theory of Mind" (ToM) is defined as the cognitive ability to represent one's own and others' mental states, in terms of thoughts and beliefs, and of desires, demands and feelings, so that one can explain and predict behaviour
In purposeful situations is investigated. These researchers used the term ToM to refer to the ability to understand a mental state of another organism based on the analysis of its behaviour
Patients' performances in tasks of affective ToM are positively correlated with their empathic abilities, indicating that the ability to make affective representations of the other's mental state is associated with the ability to be empathic [26]
Summary
Starting with research on primates, many scholars have wondered what areas of the brain are involved in the Theory of Mind. Studies of macaques have revealed that neurons in the central portion of the temporal lobe, in the posterior temporal fissure (STS), selectively ignite when monkeys observe the direction of other monkeys' gaze These neurons are activated when animals observe a direct action for a purpose. Patients' performances in tasks of affective ToM are positively correlated with their empathic abilities, indicating that the ability to make affective representations of the other's mental state is associated with the ability to be empathic [26] From these results it has been hypothesized that the behavioural deficits of individuals with localized ventromedial damage could be attributed to an affective ToM deficit, rather than to a generalized Mind Theory deficit
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