Executive function deficit in bipolar offspring: A neurocognitive endophenotype?

Recent studies in bipolar offspring (BO) showed that a low cognitive performance, especially executive function deficit, could be an early marker of bipolar disorder (BD). Nevertheless, these findings have not been replicated (specifically attentional control, flexibility, and working memory). In addition, most studies have focused on children and adolescents, but few studies analyze the executive function performance in BO adults.

Our goal was to compare the neurocognitive performance of BO with control parent-offspring (CO) in a sample that included various age groups.

We conducted a cohort study, including subjects between six to 30 years old. We evaluated 129 BO and 113 CO subjects using validated psychiatric diagnostic interviews and an extensive neuropsychological battery.

Compared to the CO group, the BO group presented a lower performance in several executive functioning domains, mainly in tasks of attentional control, flexibility, and working memory. All age groups exhibited these findings.

BO group presents executive function deficits, regardless of the age group: children, adolescents, and adults. This neurocognitive deficit should be accountable as a neurocognitive endophenotype candidate in BD.