Neuropsychological rehabilitation for bipolar disorder — A single case design

Abstract

BackgroundCognitive impairments are common ndings in neuropsychiatric diseases and contribute to restrictions in work and social skills [1,2].Cognitive functioning has been shown to be a predictor of a positive prognosis in psychiatric intervention [1,3].Meta-analytic studies [4,5] [6]. Given that cognitive deficits are predictive of a lower quality of life [7], it is logical that they are a potential treatment target for neuropsychological rehabilitationNR is an active process of capacity building for people with cognitive de cits caused by acquired brain injury or neuropsychiatric disorders [9]. The aim of NR is to maximize cognitive functions through enhancing well being, activity of daily living skills, and social relationships, as well as to minimize the consequences of cognitive de cits [10]. An NR program has been shown to improve the functionality and quality of life of patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders.The goal of using psychological, cognitive, and behavioral techniques in an NR intervention is functional reintegration to academic, professional, and social environments [11]. In view of the functional impact of cognitive impairments caused by BD, the relevance of neuropsychological rehabilitation for this population must be considered [7].The objective of this case study is to examine the e cacy of an NR program for a person with bipolar disorder, where the interventions were focused on rehabilitation of attention, memory, and executive functions. Subject and methods Case EMBEMB is a 61-year-old, divorced female and retired teacher. She provided written informed NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER A SINGLE CASE DESIGN AbstractBackground: The cognitive functions that are most impaired by mood disorders are memory, attention, and executive functions that are intrinsically related to functional performance. Cognitive impairment is linked to lower quality of life, and also has a negative impact on functional skills. For these reasons, it is relevant to propose interventions in neuropsychological rehabilitation (NR). Aim: To investigate the efficacy of NR techniques for attention, memory, and executive function impairments in a person with bipolar disorder (BD) type 1. Methods: The NR protocol consisted of fourteen weekly individual sessions divided into three modules. The first was directed toward mood monitoring, the following focused on executive functions, and the third addressed attention and memory rehabilitation. Comparisons were made between the patient's scores in pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up phase. Statistical analysis was conducted using Singlims_ES.exe program. The significance level was set at p<.05. Results: The patient's scores for all functional demands were significantly higher than those of the controls at the baseline (p<.05 for all comparisons). At the post-intervention phase, the effect sizes were lower than the baseline, and the patient demonstrated a level of performance similar to the control sample in two of five functional...

Working Memory and Response Inhibition in Patients With Bipolar I Disorder During Euthymic Period

“…Studies like this can provide mental health practitioners with useful intervention strategies, because investigators soon found that effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in these patients is bound to considering their cognitive limitations ( 24 ). As a new approach in last few years, it aims to help these patients by intervening on their basic cognitive components, called neuropsychological remediation or cognitive rehabilitation ( 25 ). By manipulation of basic cognitive processes, these interventions are supposed to improve cognitive functions and consequently promote psychosocial functioning of bipolar patients ( 26 ).…”