Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis parameters and neurocognitive evaluation in patients with bipolar disorder.

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis parameters and neurocognitive evaluation in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatriki. 2018 Jul-Sep;29(3):199-208 Authors: Τournikioti K, Dikeos D, Αlevizaki M, Michopoulos Ι, Ferentinos P, Porichi Ε, Soldatos CR, Douzenis Α Abstract Bipolar disorder is associated with neurocognitive impairment but the etiology of such impairment remains largely unknown. The present study aimed at investigating the performance of bipolar patients in various neuropsychological tasks within the framework of HPA axis hyperactivity model and also the impact of disease characteristics on neuropsychological functioning. Cognitive performance of 60 bipolar-I patients and 30 healthy controls was evaluated by using tasks from the CANTAB battery targeting visual memory, executive function and inhibitory control. Current symptoms were evaluated via administration of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) whereas assessment of functioning was performed with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Basal cortisol levels were determined and all patients were administered the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST). Statistically significant differences between patients and controls were found in visuo-spatial associative learning and memory, planning, attentional set shifting and inhibitory control. Worse performance in visuospatial associative memory correlated with longer ...
Source: Psychiatriki - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Psychiatriki Source Type: research