[Relevance and results of Theory of Mind research for autism and other psychiatric disorders].

OBJECTIVES

Disorders of the autistic spectrum are basically characterised by a triad of symptoms: dysfunction of social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotyped behaviour patterns and interests. One of the most prominent approaches to explaining these abnormalities is the "Theory of Mind" (Baron-Cohen et al., 1885).

METHODS

The present review discusses and critically examines the ongoing research and recapitulates the essential findings of the last ten years, focussing on their methodological quality and utility to explain other psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS

Despite considerable research efforts in this field, the existing concepts do not constitute a consistent framework for analysing the development of autism spectrum disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should aim to verify the impact of the existing theoretical models and to emphasise the similarities of the different concepts in order to gain specific information about potential causal factors of autism.