Theory of mind (often abbreviated
ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states —
beliefs,
intents,
desires,
pretending,
knowledge, etc. — to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, intentions, and perspectives that are different from one's own. Deficits can occur in people with
autism spectrum disorders,
schizophrenia,
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as
alcoholics who have suffered
brain damage due to alcohol's
neurotoxicity. Although
philosophical approaches to this exist, the theory of
mind as such is distinct from the
philosophy of mind.