Comparison of levels of theory of mind and empathy between children with ADHD and normal children

Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has adverse effects on children's social cognition. But the key question is whether there is a difference in social cognition (levels of theory of mind and empathy) between children with ADHD and normal children.

To compare the levels of theory of mind and empathy in two groups of children with ADHD and normal children.

The study was a causal-comparative study. The statistical population included all 6 to 8 year old children with ADHD and normal children in Tabriz. Fifty children with disabilities and 50 normal children were selected through purposive sampling. The tools include the Hutchinson et al. (2008) theory of mind questionnaire and the Cognitive and Emotional Empathy Scale of Children: Dadas et al. (2008). The results were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance.

The results showed that the components of theory of mind and empathy were significantly lower in children with ADHD than normal children (p<0/0001).

It can be concluded that levels of theory of mind and empathy are higher in normal children than children with ADHD.