Article

This paper presents a novel neurobiological model of theory of mind (ToM) that
incorporates both neuroanatomical and neurochemical levels of specificity. Within
this model, cortical and subcortical regions are functionally organized into
networks that subserve the ability to represent cognitive and affective mental
states to both self and other. The model maintains that (1) cognitive and
affective aspects of ToM are subserved by dissociable, yet interacting,
prefrontal networks. The cognitive ToM network primarily engages the dorsomedial
prefrontal cortex, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the dorsal striatum;
and the affective ToM network primarily engages the ventromedial and
orbitofrontal cortices, the ventral anterior cingulate cortex, the amygdala and
the ventral striatum; (2) self and other mental-state representation is processed
by distinct brain regions within the mentalizing network, and that the ability to
distinguish between self and other mental states is modulated by a functionally
interactive dorsal and ventral attention/selection systems at the temporoparietal
junction and the anterior cingulate cortex; and (3) ToM functioning is dependent
on the integrity of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems which are primarily
engaged in the maintenance and application processes of represented mental
states. In addition to discussing the mechanisms involved in mentalizing in terms
of its component processes, we discuss the model's implications to pathologies
that variably impact one's ability to represent, attribute and apply mental
states.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS