Picture sequencing task performance indicates theory of mind deficit in bipolar disorder

Abstract

Background This paper reports the performance of DSM-IV-TR diagnosed bipolar disorder (BD) patients on a well-recognised measure of theory of mind (ToM) that commonly elicits group-related differences in schizophrenia research. Methods Forty-nine BD patients and 49 age and gender matched controls completed Langdon and Coltheart (1999) Picture Sequencing Task. Results Relative to controls, patients with BD performed significantly worse on the ToM relevant false-belief stories of the picture sequencing task, but not on the control stories requiring social script knowledge, executive control or an understanding of causal connexions. There were no differences in the ToM performance of symptomati..