Study on impulsivity and cognitive function in patients with manic episodes of bipolar I disorder

Abstract

Objective To explore the role of impulsivity in manic episodes of bipolar I disorder and cognitive impairment. Methods Sixty-one patients with bipolar I manic-episode (study group) and 43 healthy volunteers (control group) were included in the study, and the cognitive function and impulsivity of the subjects were assessed using the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) and BIS-11 impulsivity scale (BIS-11). The differences in impulsivity and cognitive function between the study group and control group were compared.Partial correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between impulsivity and cognitive function in patients with bipolar I manic episode. Results (1)The scores of several cognitive function in study group, were significantly lower than those in healthy control group including information processing speed, attention alertness, word learning, visual learning, working memory, reasoning and problem solving (all P<0.01). (2)The total score, motor factor score and cognitive factor score of BIS-11 impulse scale in study group were significantly higher than those in control group (58.39±15.77 vs 48.02±11.16, 62.09±19.01 vs 44.24±21.09, 56.97±16.57 vs 50.06±13.87, all P<0.05). Increased overall scores on the bis-11 impulse inventory may be a risk factor for bipolar I episodes(OR=1.204, 95%CI=1.032-1.404). (3)In study group, the total score of BIS-11 was negatively correlated with the speed of information processing, working memory, word learning, reasoning and problem solving, and the total score of MCCB(r=-0.417, -0.360, -0.294, -0.348, -0.348, P<0.05). The score of unplanned factor was negatively correlated with the speed of information processing, word learning, the total score of MCCB(r=-0.397, -0.302, -0.358, P<0.05). The score of cognitive factor was negatively correlated with the speed of information processing, working memory, word learning, reasoning and problem solving, and the total score of MCCB(r=-0.327, -0.351, -0.374, -0.391, -0.463, P<0.05). The score of motor factor was negatively correlated with working memory and the total score of MCCB(r=0.370, r=0.389, P<0.05). Conclusion High impulsivity is a risk factor for manic episodes of bipolar I disorder and may be associated with cognitive impairment in patients with manic episodes of bipolar I disorder. Key words: Bipolar disorder; Manic episodes; Impulsivity; Cognitive function