title: [Neurocognitive functioning in first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder. A review of the literature].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The impairment of neurocognitive functioning in bipolar disorder is well-documented in the literature. Beside the acute phase of the illness, to a certain extent cognitive impairment can also be observed during euthymia, and there is an increasing number of search results reporting on alterations in the cognitive functioning of asymptomatic relatives of patients with bipolar disorder. All these suggest the role of neurocognitive functions as an endophenotypic marker of bipolar disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  The purpose of this article was to review the existing studies conducted among first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder that focused on the exploration of possible neurocognitive deficits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One review, two meta-analyses and 43 studies met the search criteria. The results of the reviewed studies are inconsistent, both positive and negative results can be found among them. Those with positive results report on dysfunctions of different cognitive domains.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the available data suggest that neurocognitive functioning in first-degree relatives of bipolar patients is affected. To clarify the issue, further research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Pecsi Tudomanyegyetem, Klinikai Idegtudomanyok Doktori Iskola, Pszichiatria Program, Pecs, Hungary, E-mail: berecz.hajnalka@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Hajnalka
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berecz
authors.forename: Tamás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tényi
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D058068:Endophenotypes; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests