Clinical Determinants of Cognitive Dysfunctions and Cognitive Endophenotypes in Bipolar Disorder

Verbal learning, verbal memory and executive functions foremost, working memory, (sustained) attention and processing speed are substantial cognitive domains in bipolar disorder. Dysfuntions in verbal learning and memory might be observed in first degree relatives as well; and thus seem to be best candidates for the cognitive endophenotype concept. Prior psychotic episodes, numbers and types of episodes, age of illness onset and duration of illness are clinical parameters seem to influence cognitive functions. There are relatively limited numbers of researches about cognitive dysfunctions in early onset forms, old age, type II disorder and comorbidity aspects of bipolar disorders. Results from the researches regarding qualitative and quantitative effects of medications on cognition are inconsistent. Cognitive deficits of first degree relatives and familial resemblance of deficits might be indicators of heritability of cognitive functions, therefore taking genetic models into account in designs of researches may provide considerable data.