Cognition in Bipolar Disorder: An Update for Clinicians

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is associated with cognitive deficits, which persist across mood states and affect functional outcomes. This article provides an overview of recent progress in measuring cognition in bipolar disorder and its implications for both research and clinical practice. The authors summarize work conducted over the past decade that has helped guide researchers and clinicians in the appropriate measurement of cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder, the design of research studies targeting this domain for treatment, and the implementation of screening and psychoeducational tools in the clinic. Much of this work was conducted by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force. Here, the authors also highlight the need for clinicians to be informed about this aspect of illness and to be equipped with the necessary information to assess, track, and intervene on cognitive problems when appropriate. Finally, the article identifies gaps in the literature and suggests potential future directions for research in this area.

Keywords: Bipolar and Related Disorders; Cognition/Learning/Memory; Guidelines; Quality of life.

FIGURE 1.

Abbreviated version of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Task Force’s clinical recommendations for clinicians flow chart (24)^{a a}COBRA=Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment; MOCA=Montreal Cognitive Assessment; SCIP=Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry.