Background
Growing evidence demonstrates an association of neuropsychological deficits with mood
disorders, but it is not yet clear whether these deficits are risk factors or are
concomitant with the symptoms. This study examines the neuropsychological functioning
of a group of adolescent offspring who are at risk for a mood disorder by virtue of
being raised by mothers who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD)
or bipolar disorder (BPD).
Methods
Adolescent offspring of mothers with BPD (n = 43) or MDD (n = 72) and of psychiatrically well parents (n = 50) completed a battery of neuropsychological tests to assess executive functioning,
memory, and attention.
Results
Children of mothers with BPD showed deficits in executive functioning and selective
deficits in spatial memory and attention, in comparison with children of well mothers.
Deficits were not found for children of MDD mothers.
Conclusions
Knowledge of these neurocognitive processes could aid ultimately in determining whether
neurocognitive deficits precede BPD, whether unique profiles are associated with various
types of mood disorders, and who may benefit from interventions.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 25, 2006
Accepted:
March 9,
2006
Received in revised form:
March 3,
2006
Received:
August 8,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
