EPA-0307 – Bipolar Disorder: the Connection Between Neurocognition and the Ability to Recognize Emotion

Abstract

Introduction:

The ability to recognize emotion is part of social cognition, a frequently analyzed parameter nowadays in the psychotic spectrum and also in other psychiatric disorders. The importance of this parameter is due to its facilitating role for psychotherapy and also by the role it plays for the social functioning of a person.

Objectives:

The evaluation of the relationship between emotion recognition and neurocognition in subjects with Bipolar Disorder.

Aims:

The development of some specific intervention programs for subjects with Bipolar Disorder.

Methods:

A group of subjects (n=34) with Affective Bipolar Disorder, according to ICD 10, was analyzed. The subjects had a clinical evolution between 5 and 10 years and they clinically presented psychotic symptoms. The parameters analyzed were: socio-demographical ones, neurocognition (attention, memory, executive function) and social cognition (emotion recognition ability).

Results:

A statistical significant correlation exists between the subjects ability to recognize ‘Joy’ and ‘Love’ (Spearman R = 0.403, p < 0.05). This shows a connection between these two emotions. Also there is a significant correlation between neurocognition and performance in emotion recognition (Spearman R = −0.504 and Spearman R = −0.421, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Subjects with Bipolar Disorder show a lowered ability to be attentive, a decreased speed for processing information and a reduced performance in executive functions that are correlated with difficulties in recognizing emotions.