Cognitive Impairments in Patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder in Remission

Objective. To determine the frequency, structure, and severity of cognitive impairments in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in remission. Materials and methods. Studies were performed on 85 patients with BAD type I (n = 64) and type II (n = 21) in remission (mean age 36.6 ± 5.7 years). The severity of psychopathological symptomatology was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Yahr Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and cognitive impairments using the Brief Neuropsychological Cognitive Examination (BNPCE). Results and conclusions. Cognitive impairments were detected in 43.5% of study patients. There were no differences in the frequency or structure of cognitive impairments in BAD types I and II in remission. Study patients with cognitive impairments were characterized by decreased rates of mental processes, decreased working memory, and impaired attention. Total BNPCE scores were associated with patients’ ages, duration of illness, and total HDRS and YMRS scores. The study results provided evidence supporting the affective nature of the cognitive deficit in the study patients. Cognitive impairments in patients with BAD in remission are an important therapeutic target. © 2022, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.