Conclusions: A poorer performance was
observed in all bipolar groups regarding
executive function and verbal memory in
relation to the healthy comparison subjects.
These cognitive difficulties, especially
related to verbal memory, may help
explain the impairment regarding daily
functioning, even during remission. Further
studies should focus on testing, whether
optimizing prophylactic pharmacological
treatment and psychoeducation might reduce
cognitive impairment, and whether
bipolar patients would benefit from neuropsychological
rehabilitation in order to
reduce the impact of cognitive impairment
in their overall functioning.