According to the findings of a cross-sectional study, episodic cluster headache (ECH) patients were able to perceive other people's or their own feelings (affective theory of mind) but had less ability to recognize beliefs (cognitive theory of mind) when compared to healthy subjects. Depending on the function of the hypothalamus in social cognition and pain, the purpose of the study was to assess whether the theory of mind (ToM) is compromised in individuals with cluster headache (CH).

In this study, 20 matched controls and 31 ECH patients performed executive function and social  cognition tasks outside of the bout. From headache unit, patients were enrolled for the study. Patients behaved poorly than healthy controls on the cognitive ToM test (t = 4.2) but not on the affective ToM task. Executive function was also declined (t = 4.8) and greater depression and anxiety questionnaire scores (t = 3.6 and t = 2.9) were noted.

ToM scores had no relationship with anxiety, executive function, depression symptoms, or duration or severity of illness. Hence, ECH patients had affective ToM but had less cognitive ToM than healthy subjects.