Functioning, dysfunctional attitudes and neurocognitive functions in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder type 1.

Background: Previously it has been shown that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have significant functional impairments even if they are in remission. Here we aimed to assess the effects of clinical factors, neurocognitive functions and dysfunctional attitudes on psychosocial functioning in remitted patients with BD type 1. Methods: Patients were enrolled (n=51) after screening with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR axis I disorders (SCID-I), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Neurocognitive functions were evaluated with Stroop Colour Word and Interference Test TBAG Form (SCWT) and Trail Making Tests A and B (TMT-A/B). Dysfunctional attitudes were evaluated with Dysfunctional Attitude Scale Revised Form (DAS-R), functioning was evaluated with Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Results: Functioning scores were not related with dysfunctional attitudes, subclinical symptoms or neurocognitive functions. Only previous hospitalization number of patients (r = 0.341, p = 0.01) and age of patients (r = 0.295, p = 0.04) were significantly related with functioning of patients. Conclusion: Hospitalization number and older age were inversely related with functioning. Due to our results, previous hospitalization and age of patients may be evaluated in daily clinical practice in euthymic patients with BD type 1 to assess their influence on the psychosocial functioning of BD patients.