Deficit in theory of mind is a risk for relapse of major depression.
BACKGROUND
Recently, we reported that patients with depression have theory of mind (ToM) deficit during remission from acute episodes. ToM deficit means difficulty in social adjustment and thus may indicate a poorer prognosis.


METHODS
We evaluated ToM ability of 50 patients during remission from major depressive episodes. The patients were followed for 1 year and their outcome observed.


RESULTS
After 1 year, patients who had ToM deficit in a second order false question relapsed significantly more frequently as compared with patients who did not have a deficit (Fisher's exact test p < 0.0001; relative risk (RR) = 8.105; CI 2.020, 32.524). Significant differences were shown in scores of the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (p < 0.0001) between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with ToM deficit in second order false belief during remission may be a high risk group for recurrence and lower social function 1 year after recovering from a major depressive episode.
Inoue
Y
Y
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Inogashira Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Yamada
K
K
Kanba
S
S
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012008:Recurrence; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome