Neurocognitive test performance predicts functional recovery from acute exacerbation leading to hospitalization in bipolar disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is associated with significant functional morbidity at a rate which is particularly elevated among patients discharged from hospital. The aim of this study was to examine the degree to which neurocognitive test performance, measured following hospitalization for an acute affective episode, is predictive of functional recovery 1 year later.


METHODS
Seventy-eight Zucker Hillside Hospital patients aged 18-59 years and having Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (BPD I), bipolar II disorder (BPD II) or BPD not otherwise specified (NOS) confirmed through a rigorous diagnosis consensus procedure, underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery after initial stabilization (baseline) and were followed for at least 12 months (follow-up). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M) ratings were made at baseline and follow-up. At follow-up, functionality was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale for Independent Functioning (MSIF). Logistic regression was used to examine the predictive value of each of six validated neurocognitive domains for determining functionality (MSIF) at follow-up. Baseline and follow-up HAM-D and CARS-M were entered as covariates as was number of days between baseline and follow-up.


RESULTS
Attention and Ideational Fluency were significantly predictive of functional recovery 12 months later. Residual mania but not depression was associated with 12-month MSIF rating. Lithium and benzodiazepine treatment at the time of neurocognitive testing did not affect the results.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study examining the predictive value of neurocognitive deficits, independent of residual mania or depression, for long-term functional recovery following hospitalization. Selective neurocognitive deficits are predictive of long-term functional recovery and, as such, should be candidate targets in treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Jaeger
Judith
J
The Center for Neuropsychiatric Outcome and Rehabilitation Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.
Berns
Stefanie
S
Loftus
Shay
S
Gonzalez
Cristina
C
Czobor
Pál
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012074:Remission Induction; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires