Deficits in theory of mind (ToM) are consistently reported in alcoholics (Bosco et al., 2014; Maurage et al., 2015; Maurage et al., 2011b; Nandrino et al., 2014; Onuoha et al., 2016; Thoma et al., 2013; Uekermann et al., 2007). ToM enables individuals to predict, anticipate, and interpret the behavior of others (Frith and Frith, 1999; Premack and Woodruff, 1978). ToM can be divided into (1) affective theory of mind, referring to thinking about affective states, feelings and emotions of others and (2) cognitive theory of mind, referring to thinking about cognitive states, beliefs, thoughts or intentions of others (Shamay-Tsoory et al., 2007). A dissociation between impaired affective ToM but preserved cognitive ToM in alcoholism has been observed (Maurage et al., 2016; Nandrino et al., 2014).
