A Comparison of Theory of Mind in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders and Normal Controls

“Theory of mind (ToM)” or “mentalizing” applies to the ability to discriminate and judge the mental and emotional states of oneself and others. Due to deficiencies in social interaction of patients with anxiety disorders, the purpose of this study was comparing theory of mind in individuals with anxiety disorders and control group. in this Ex Post Facto study 52 people suffering from anxiety disorders and 52 typical people have been chosen by convenient sampling method considering enter and exit conditions of this study and then compared with each other via Baron-Cohen’s Reading Mind from Eyes Test. MANOVA shows a meaningful difference of theory of mind capability between individuals suffering from anxiety disorders and typical population. According to this results function of the individuals with anxiety disorders in total score of mindreading test, is significantly lower than normal individuals. Although, these patients have more suitable function in recognizing negative mental status in compare with the typical counterparts. However, the findings reveal that the dysfunction of theory of mind in individuals with anxiety disorders has arising from disability in recognizing neutral and positive mental features. According to the results of this study patients which are suffering from anxiety disorders do not have ability to understanding others mental status. Hence, effective therapy would happen by evaluating and subsequently educating this ability to the patients with anxiety disorders.