Theory of Mind in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder in Euthymic Phase: ‎Using the Strange Stories Test

This study evaluated the theory of mind (ToM) in adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder ýý(BD) during their euthymic period compared to a typically developing (TD) group.ý
The BD group consisted of thirty 11-18 year old inpatients in euthymic phase. The TD ýgroup included 30 age, gender, and IQ matched volunteer students. To assess the diagnosis and ýcomorbid disorders, we performed the semi-structured interview of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders ýand Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) for the BD adolescents. To ýevaluate the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mania, Conner's ýParent Rating Scale-Revised version (CPRS-R), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were ýused, respectively. Ravens Progressive Matrices was conducted to evaluate intellectual ability in ýthe both groups. Happe Strange Stories test was performed to assess ToM in the participants. Data were ýanalyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of covariance, and Pearson Correlation analysis.ý
The two groups did not show any differences in comprehending the stories; however, the BD ýgroup’s mentalizing scores were significantly weaker than the TD group (p The ToM impairments in adolescents with BD may be explained as a trait marker which may lead ýto continuation of social problems even during remissionþ.þ