PM504. Theory of Mind in Clinical high risk as trait marker of conversion to psychosis: review

Abstract

Background: Studies on Clinical high risk(CHR) for psychosis is continuously investigated to predict psychosis before conversion at prodromal phase. Social cognition deficits in CHR has been confirmed consistently. Amongst social cognition tests, ToM is well known to be one of effective indicators to measure social cognition. Many studies reported decreased ToM performance in first episode psychosis(FEP) compared to CHR. However, it is yet controversial whether ToM could be a trait marker for conversion to psychosis.

Recent findings: Few studies have suggested that ToM is associated with conversion to psychosis and few other studies published contrary results stating irrelevance of ToM and conversion. Common feature of latter studies is controlled IQ in contrast to former studies. Controlling IQ can possibly bring biased results since several studies noted that ToM performance and IQ are associated.

Method: Literature were searched using the terms including ‘social cognition’, ‘theory of mind’, ‘clinical high risk’ and ‘ultra high risk’. Only English literature published since 2011 September were discussed.

Purpose of review: In this review studies related to ToM and conversion to psychosis are discussed supporting the hypothesis that ToM could be an effective predictor for conversion.

Key words: Clinical high risk, Theory of mind, social cognition, psychosis