Theory of mind, humour processing and executive functioning in alcoholism

ABSTRACT Aims  Alcoholism is associated with cognitive deficits, which have been interpreted in terms of a specific vulnerability of the frontal lobes to the toxic effects of alcohol. While executive functions in alcoholism have been investigated extensively, only little work has been carried out on...

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Published in:Addiction (Abingdon, England) England), 2007-02, Vol.102 (2), p.232-240
Main Authors: Uekermann, J., Channon, S., Winkel, K., Schlebusch, P., Daum, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictive behaviors
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Alcoholism
Alcoholism - psychology
Alcoholism and acute alcohol poisoning
Biological and medical sciences
Case-Control Studies
Cognition
Cognition Disorders - diagnosis
Cognition Disorders - psychology
Drug addiction
executive
Executive function
Female
Health
Humans
Humour
Judgement
Male
Medical sciences
Mental Processes - physiology
Mental Recall
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Social cognition
Social interaction
Social problems
Theory of mind
Toxicology
Wit and Humor as Topic - psychology
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Summary:ABSTRACT Aims  Alcoholism is associated with cognitive deficits, which have been interpreted in terms of a specific vulnerability of the frontal lobes to the toxic effects of alcohol. While executive functions in alcoholism have been investigated extensively, only little work has been carried out on social cognition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between executive functions, theory of mind and humour processing in alcoholism. Design, setting, participants and measurements  A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered to 29 alcoholic patients (Alc) and 29 healthy controls (HC). The test battery included measurements of affect, general intellectual abilities, executive functions, humour processing and theory of mind. The two groups were comparable with respect to affective variables, IQ, gender and age. Findings and conclusions  Group comparisons revealed cognitive as well as affective humour processing deficits of alcoholics in comparison with HC. The observed impairments were related to theory of mind and executive functions. The deficits may contribute to interpersonal problems and are thus of relevance to rehabilitation.
ISSN:0965-2140
1360-0443
DOI:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01656.x