Original article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2011;14(2):105-111.

조현병 환자에서 자살시도 유무에 따른 마음추론

Kyung-Mi Lee, MD1, Sung-Wan Kim, MD, PhD2, Jin-Sang Yoon, MD, PhD2, Chang Hee Hong, PsyD1, Seung-Hee Yeum, MA1, Young-Hwa Sea, MD1 and Ahn Bae, MD, PhD1

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods: The sample consisted of hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Clinical characteristics were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Personal and Social Performance Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory. General cognitive functions were measured with the Korean-Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test. ToM was assessed with the ToM picture stories task (ToM task) and the false-belief task.
Results: Of the 80 participants in the final sample, 45 (56.3%) had a history of suicide attempts. Compared with non-attempters, attempters showed significantly higher scores on the CDSS and positive and general psychopathology subscales of the PANSS. Patients with a history of suicide attempts were significantly more likely than those without it to report current suicidal ideation. The two groups did not differ significantly with regard to IQ or general cognitive measures, but attempters obtained significantly higher scores than non-attempters on the ToM tasks after controlling for PANSS total scores and duration of illness.
Conclusion: Those with schizophrenia who attempt suicide may have higher scores than non-attempters on measures of ToM. (Korean J Schizophr Res 2011;14:105-111)

Key Words: Schizophrenia , Suicide , Theory of mind , Depression , Social cognition.