Cognitive dysfunctions and white matter lesions in patients with bipolar disorder in remission.
OBJECTIVE
To compare cognitive functioning in relation to white matter lesions in bipolar disorder in remission and schizophrenia.


METHODS
Cognitive performance and the occurrence of white matter lesions on MRI images of the brain were assessed in 22 patients with bipolar disorder in remission, 22 patients with schizophrenia and 22 healthy volunteers.


RESULTS
Performance of tests of memory, speed and cognitive flexibility was significantly impaired in both patient groups. The frequency of white matter lesions did not differ significantly between the three groups. No differences in cognitive performance were found between patients with white matter lesions and patients without such lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
White matter lesions apparently do not underlie cognitive deficits that are found in patients with bipolar disorder in remission and in patients with schizophrenia.
Krabbendam
L
L
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University and University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Honig
A
A
Wiersma
J
J
Vuurman
E F
EF
Hofman
P A
PA
Derix
M M
MM
Nolen
W A
WA
Jolles
J
J
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012074:Remission Induction; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index