Cognitive functions among euthymic bipolar I patients after a single manic episode versus recurrent episodes

Background: There is a growing consensus that persistent cognitive deficits are common in patients with bipolar disorders even when they are euthymic. Aim: The aim was to assess objectively the presence of cognitive deficits in bipolar patients in remission, and to correlate these deficits with the recurrence of the disease. Methods: Cognitive functions (executive function, memory, intelligence, attention and concentration) of a group of euthymic bipolar patients after a single manic episode were compared to cognitive functions of patients who experienced recurrent episodes, both groups were assessed during remission. The results were compared with a control group, using SPSS. Results: Euthymic bipolar patients assessed after a single manic episode showed impairment in attention, executive functions and total memory score in comparison to healthy control subjects. While they performed better than Euthymic bipolar patients assessed after recurrent bipolar episodes as regards attention and executive function. Conclusion: Bipolar disorder is associated with attention, memory and executive dysfunction. Attention and executive dysfunction is deteriorated by the recurrence of bipolar episodes. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.