The predictive significance of neurocognitive factors for functional outcome in bipolar disorder

Poor psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder often persists even after affective symptom remission. Cognitive deficits, which have emerged as a core feature of bipolar disorder in the past few years, are among the factors implicated in adverse psychosocial outcomes of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. This review aims to overview recent literature on the association of neurocognition and psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder.

Cognitive deficits (mainly general neurocognitive functioning, attention and verbal learning and memory) are important determinants of poor psychosocial functioning in bipolar disorder, although to a lesser extent than in schizophrenia. Although affective symptoms appear to be a more important predictor of functional outcome in symptomatic patients, cognitive deficits also play a significant role, more readily recognizable in euthymic or chronic patients.

Given the importance of cognitive impairments for psychosocial outcomes in bipolar disorder, the development of interventions targeting cognitive impairments is imperative for improving recovery rates and quality of life in patients, even after adequate symptom control.