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Metacognitive functioning in bipolar disorder versus controls and its correlations with neurocognitive functioning in
L Van Camp1, B G C Sabbe1, J F E Oldenburg1
1Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Psychiatric Hospital Duffel, University Department, Stationsstraat 22c, 2570 Duffel, Belgium.
Introduction:
Metacognition is an important factor in the development and persistence of bipolar disorder. One of the most striking examples of impairment in metacognitive functioning in bipolar disorder is the lack of insight these patients have in their disorder. Despite its importance, research regarding metacognition in bipolar disorder is scarce. Furthermore, the neurocognitive basis of metacognitive functioning is unknown.
Methods:
The current study included 29 patients with bipolar disorder and 29 age, educational level and gender matched healthy controls. All the participants filled in a metacognition questionnaire that examined their metacognitive beliefs. In addition, it was tested how well they estimated their performance on a neurocognitive test-battery beforehand (metacognitive knowledge) and afterwards (metacognitive experience).
Results:
Bipolar disorder patients showed maladaptive metacognitive beliefs in comparison with the healthy controls. They also showed impaired metacognitive knowledge and experience. That is, they overestimated their own cognitive performance. However, the latter result was also true for the healthy controls. In addition, metacognition had neurocognitive correlates. However, for the bipolar patients, depressive symptomatology had an important effect on this relationship and on metacognition in general.
Conclusion:
Maladaptive metacognitive skills are related to depression in bipolar disorder. A more healthy metacognitive thinking should be promoted. An effective training for this could be a therapy that includes various elements, from basic cognitive- to higher order metacognitive training.
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