Related Experiment Videos
Functional impairment and cognition in bipolar disorder.
1Bipolar and Psychotic Disorders Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01605, USA. carlos.zarate@umassmed.edu
The Psychiatric Quarterly
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Bipolar disorder significantly impairs daily life and functioning for many adults. Research suggests cognitive issues may contribute to this functional impairment, even when mood symptoms are managed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder affects 2% of adults, causing significant psychosocial morbidity.
- Modern studies indicate high rates of functional impairment in bipolar patients, contrasting with earlier findings.
- Factors like inter-episode symptoms and socioeconomic status are linked to functional dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on functional impairment in bipolar disorder.
- To explore the potential link between cognitive dysfunction and functional impairment in euthymic bipolar patients.
- To investigate the basis for limited functional recovery in bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on functional impairment and cognition in bipolar disorder.
- Analysis of factors associated with functional dysfunction.
- Examination of evidence for neuropsychological deficits in euthymic patients.
Main Results:
- A majority of bipolar patients experience high functional impairment.
- Limited functional recovery rates are observed.
- Potential contributing factors include inter-episode symptoms, neuroleptic treatment, lower socioeconomic status, and lower premorbid function.
Conclusions:
- The basis for limited functional recovery in bipolar disorder remains unclear.
- Cognitive dysfunction is a potential factor in functional impairment.
- Further research is needed to understand the relationship between neuropsychological performance and functional outcomes in bipolar disorder.