Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Jan Scott
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Broad neuropsychological deficits have been consistently demonstrated in well-established bipolar disorder. The aim of the current study was to systematically review neuropsychological studies in first-episode bipolar disorders to determine the breadth, extent and predictors of cognitive dysfunction at this early stage of illness through meta-analytic procedures. Electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1980 and December 2013. Twelve studies met eligibility criteria (N = 341, mean age = 28.2 years), and pooled effect sizes (ES) were calculated across eight cognitive domains. Moderator analyses were conducted to identify predictors of between-study heterogeneity. Controlling for known confounds, medium to large deficits (ES >= 0.5) in psychomotor speed, attention and working memory, and cognitive flexibility were identified, whereas smaller deficits (ES 0.20-0.49) were found in the domains of verbal learning and memory, attentional switching, and verbal fluency. A medium to large deficit in response inhibition was only detected in non-euthymic cases. Visual learning and memory functioning was not significantly worse in cases compared with controls. Overall, first-episode bipolar disorders are associated with widespread cognitive dysfunction. Since euthymia was not associated with superior cognitive performance in most domains, these results indicate that even in the earliest stages of disease, cognitive deficits are not mood-state dependent. The current findings have important implications for whether cognitive impairments represent neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative processes. Future studies need to more clearly characterise the presence of psychotic features, and the nature and number of previous mood episodes. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Lee RSC, Hermens DF, Scott J, Redoblado-Hodge MA, Naismith SL, Lagopoulos J, Griffiths KR, Porter MA, Hickie IB
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Psychiatric Research
Year: 2014
Volume: 57
Pages: 1-11
Print publication date: 01/10/2014
Online publication date: 30/06/2014
Acceptance date: 23/06/2014
ISSN (print): 0022-3956
ISSN (electronic): 1879-1379
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.019
