Neurocognitive impairment in euthymic young adults with bipolar spectrum disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder

Smith, D.J. , Muir, W.J. and Blackwood, D.H.R. (2006) Neurocognitive impairment in euthymic young adults with bipolar spectrum disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 8(1), pp. 40-46. (doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2006.00275.x)

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b>  Patients with remitted major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder have persistent impairments in executive function and verbal memory that may represent endophenotypic abnormalities. In this study, we examine neurocognitive function in a sample of euthymic young adults with bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) (Can J Psychiatry 2002; 47: 125–134) and compare this to well-matched samples of young adults with recurrent MDD and controls.<p></p> <b>Method:</b>  Twenty-one euthymic young adult patients with BSD were compared with 42 young adult patients with MDD and 33 controls on a neuropsychological battery assessing attention, executive function and verbal memory.<p></p> <b>Results:</b>  Patients with BSD were significantly more impaired than MDD patients and controls on tests of executive function and verbal memory. MDD patients did not differ significantly from controls on verbal memory function but performed less well on a test of executive function.<p></p> <b>Conclusion:</b>  Euthymic young adults with BSD had greater impairment on neurocognitive measures associated with prefrontal and hippocampal function than MDD patients and controls. This is a reflection of a strong bipolar diathesis in the BSD group rather than being a consequence of a more severe unipolar illness.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Smith, Professor Daniel
• Authors: Smith, D.J., Muir, W.J., and Blackwood, D.H.R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Bipolar Disorders
• ISSN: 1398-5647
• ISSN (Online): 1399-5618
• Published Online: 12 January 2006