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Associations between sleep disturbance, cognitive functioning and work disability in Bipolar Disorder
Elaine M Boland1, Jonathan P Stange2, Ashleigh Molz Adams2
1Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Behavioral Health Service and Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|October 18, 2015
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) impairs work functioning even during remission. Poor sleep and cognitive deficits contribute to occupational impairment in BD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) frequently leads to occupational impairment, persisting even when mood symptoms are in remission.
- The specific factors contributing to this work dysfunction in euthymic BD patients require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of sleep disturbance and cognitive functioning in occupational impairment among individuals with Bipolar Disorder.
- To determine if sleep and cognitive deficits are associated with work functioning in euthymic BD patients.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 24 euthymic BD participants and 24 healthy controls.
- Prospective assessment of sleep using self-report and actigraphy over one week.
- Neuropsychological testing of executive functioning, working memory, and verbal learning, alongside work functioning assessments.
Main Results:
- BD participants demonstrated significantly poorer cognitive functioning compared to controls.
- Individuals with BD experienced more unemployment and higher rates of job termination.
- Both sleep disturbance and impaired cognitive functioning were independently associated with poor work performance in BD patients.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disturbance and cognitive deficits are prevalent in euthymic Bipolar Disorder and are linked to occupational impairment.
- These findings highlight potential targets for interventions to improve work functioning in BD.
- Further research is needed to understand the interplay between sleep, cognition, and work outcomes in BD.
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