Neurocognitive functioning in first-episode Bipolar Disorder: Relationship with functional status

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to assess if an association between neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial functioning exists in first-episode BD patients. Methods Twenty-five euthymic first-episode BD patients and thirty-seven healthy controls were recruited. History of suicide attempts, psychiatric comorbidities, pharmacological exposure, and previous depressive episodes were investigated. Performances on neurocognitive domains (verbal memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions) as well as a measure of psychosocial functioning were used as outcomes. Results First-episode BD patients showed medium-to-large size deficits on measures of attention, processing speed, and executive functions. A significant association between verbal memory and psychosocial functioning at the moment of BD diagnosis was detected (beta coefficient −3.9, IC 95% −6.7 to −1.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions A relationship between cognitive performance at the moment of BD diagnosis and psychosocial functioning was detected. Possible therapeutic implications of this finding are discussed.