A Comparative Study on the Cognitive and Clinical Characteristics of Childhood/Adolescent- and Adult-Onset of Bipolar Disorder
- Author:
Hyeonmi KIM
1
;
Sung-Young HUH
;
Sung-Gon KIM
;
Ji-Hoon KIM
;
Woo-Young JUNG
;
Eun-ra YU
;
Bum-Sung CHOI
;
Dae-Wook KIM
;
Dong-Uk YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Therapies in Psychiatry
2020;26(2):154-161
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Objectives:：Childhood/adolescent-onset of bipolar disorder presents functional impairments on emotional, academic, and social aspects. These impairments could continue into adulthood. However, there are few studies comparing cognitive function between childhood/adolescent- and adult-onset using psychological test. This study aims to improve understanding of childhood/adolescent-onset of bipolar disorder by comparing differences in cognitive function, clinical and demographic features between the two groups.
Methods:：This study was conducted on 145 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I, II, and other specified bipolar disorder by DSM 5 at the time of discharge from 2016 to 2019 at the Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. Demographic information, clinical data, and results of psychological tests (K-WISC-IV, K-WAIS-IV) were collected and reviewed.
Results:：Childhood/adolescent-onset group was significantly low in total potential IQ and in language understanding than adult-onset group (p=0.008 and p=0.013). The childhood/adolescent group had significantly more psychiatric comorbidities than the adult group (p<0.001). The average number of prescribed antipsychotic agents was 1.18 (SD= ±0.64) in the childhood/adolescent group, and 1.78 (SD=±0.82) in the adult group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion:：Patients with childhood/adolescent-onset bipolar disorder have lower total potential IQ and language understanding comparing patients with adult-onset bipolar disorder. This highlights the importance of conducting a well-designed prospective study to find out more about the characteristics of childhood/adolescent-onset bipolar disorder.
