Introduction: Understanding the mental states of others entails a number of cognitive processes known as Theory of Mind (ToM). Behavioural and functional neuroimaging evidence suggests that prefrontal and temporo-parietal cortices are involved in these abilities. The present study was aimed at investigating the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporo-parietal junction in ToM by using a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paradigm.
Material and methods: Eleven healthy subjects participated in the study. The experimental ToM procedure was constituted by false belief and faux-pas written stories. Subjects were evaluated in baseline condition (Sham) and after 1Hz rTMS over the left/right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and temporo-parietal junction. A score for accuracy and response times were recorded.
Results: As regards false beliefs, rTMS over right prefrontal and temporo-parietal areas significantly interfered with response times (p<0.05$). The application of rTMS over right/left prefrontal and right temporo-parietal cortices also significantly worsened accuracy in the ability to take the others' perspective in faux-pas tasks as compared to Sham (p <or= 0.05 in all cases).
Conclusions: The results of the present study are consistent with previous findings supporting the hypothesis that prefrontal and temporo-parietal regions are part of a neural network specifically underpinning the ability to attribute mental states to others.