Abstract
BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) is associated with cognitive deficits regardless of the phase of the disease. Medications used in treatment are an additional factor that may affect cognitive performance. Poor cognitive performance can significantly affect a patient's ability to drive.Aim of the studyThis study aims to explore cognitive functions relevant for safe driving in the group of remitted bipolar patients.MethodPatients with BD in remission (n = 33) and healthy volunteers (n = 32) were included. Selected psychometric tests for drivers were carried out using computer software: called Specialistic Diagnostic Platform (SPD): The Cross-over Test (COT) version with free tempo (COT-F) and tempo of 50 tasks per minute (COT-50) and the Signal Test (ST). Moreover, the following neuropsychological tests were used: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT) part A and B, and Trail Making Test (TMT) version A and B.ResultsIn comparison with healthy controls bipolar patients in remission had poorer outcomes for some cognitive parameters and longer reaction times in both tests for drivers and neuropsychological tests. Additionally, we found a significant correlation between the time of performance of neuropsychological tests and the time of psychometric tests for drivers.ConclusionPatients with BD performed worse in several cognitive domains assessed by tests for drivers and neuropsychological tasks. These deficits can affect the speed of the patient's motor reactions while driving.
Highlights
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent, usually lifelong, disease that has a negative impact on social and professional functioning, commonly resulting in disability
The presence of depression is a major cause of driving impairment, while reducing the severity of depression in the course of treatment with antidepressants usually reduces the severity of this problem
The analysis showed statistically significantly slower simple reactions in patients compared to healthy volunteers
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent, usually lifelong, disease that has a negative impact on social and professional functioning, commonly resulting in disability. One of the factors contributing to these negative consequences is cognitive dysfunctions including impairment of verbal memory, attention, executive functions in bipolar patients, which have been found during mania/. The correct state of cognitive functions is essential for safe driving. This activity requires, among other things, efficient attention, working memory and reaction speed. Regardless of the impact of the disease itself, psychotropic drugs, used in acute states and prophylactic treatment, may affect cognitive functioning. The question of whether a remitted bipolar patient who is on mood-stabilizing medications can drive a vehicle is often raised in everyday clinical practice. Poor cognitive performance can significantly affect a patient’s ability to drive
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