Study of Executive Functions in Bipolar Disorders Patients

Objective In this research, executive functions of bipolar patients and the effect of chronicity on them were investigated. Method In an ex post facto research, 99 participants were selected via simple nonrandom or convenience sampling, and were divided into three groups chronic bipolar patients (n=33), first episode bipolar patients (n=33), and healthy controls (n=33). Subjects were evaluated using Color-Word Stroop, Wisconsin card sorting, Continuous Performance, and Digit Span sub scale tests. Results The results of one way analysis of variance indicated the significant presence of deficits in bipolar groups compared to the normal group; however there was no significant difference between chronic and first episode patients. Conclusion Results indicated the lack of effect of chronicity on executive functions in bipolar patients.