The mediating role of reward sensitivity in the relationships between mania-related memory bias and working memory on recovery from bipolar I disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of reward sensitivity in the relationships between mania-related memory bias and working memory on recovery from bipolar I disorder.

This cross-sectional study was performed by available sampling method on 126 patients with bipolar I disorder in the manic phase who were referred to psychiatric offices. Sample subjects were reassessed for mania severity 30 days after completing the questionnaires and initial assessment. A researcher-made questionnaire, Clinical Global Impressions Scale for Bipolar Disorder, Young Mania Rating Scale, Emotional Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Daneman & Carpenter Working Memory Test, and the Sensitive to Reward and Sensitive to Punishment Scale were used to assess individuals. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Smartpls-3 software.

The results show that mania-related memory bias has no significant effect on recovery from the disorder but has a positive and significant effect on reward sensitivity. Also, working memory does not have a significant effect on reward sensitivity, but it has a significant and positive effect on recovery from the disorder. Reward sensitivity under the influence of mania-related memory bias has a significant and negative effect on recovery from the disorder.

Strategies for reducing reward sensitivity and increasing working memory can be used to recovery from bipolar I disorder.