Theory of mind in frontal and temporal lobe epilepsy: cognitive and neural aspects

Theory of mind (ToM) is an important prerequisite to social behavior. This study evaluated ToM in patients with temporal (TLE) or frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) aiming to determine the cognitive aspects, severity, and pathophysiologic mechanisms of ToM impairment in focal epilepsy.

One hundred thirty-eight patients with TLE (n = 109) or FLE (n = 29) and 69 healthy subjects underwent the Faux Pas task (FPT), which evaluates the recognition and comprehension of others' mental states, and neuropsychological tests for other cognitive functions.

Factor analysis of all test scores yielded two ToM factors (Recognizing faux pas, FP; Excluding nonexistent FP) distinct from the Control, Language, Matching, and Praxis factors. With respect to healthy subjects, both TLE and FLE patients showed correct exclusion of nonexistent FPs but significantly lower recognition and comprehension of real FPs. FLE patients were also impaired with respect to TLE patients. In the whole patient group, schooling and group membership predicted ToM impairment. In FLE patients, the comprehension of mental states was predicted by disease duration, whereas TLE patients' comprehension of affects and intentions was associated with early age of seizure onset and medial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTLS).

Focal epilepsy impairs advanced ToM abilities. FLE may affect online performances owing to long-lasting dysfunctions of the prefrontal areas. MTLS may provoke selective ToM deficits due to medial temporal damage, prefrontal dysfunctions, or early interference with cognitive development. Future studies are needed to determine the implications of ToM impairment on behavior and quality of life.