This study aimed to compare neurocognition, social cognition and emotion regulation of adolescents aged 12-18 years with bipolar spectrum disorder (BD) and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) to healthy adolescents.
Methods
The sample included 63 adolescents (21 BD, 21 DMDD, 21 healthy), matched for age and gender. Social cognition was assessed using the Faces, Eyes, and Faux Pas tasks. Neurocognitive performance was evaluated with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Test, while emotion regulation was measured via the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Affective Reactivity Index–Parent Form.
Results
Significant differences were detected among the groups in all three of the theory of mind tests: faces, eyes and faux pas test, and healthy adolescents received statistically significantly higher scores. Both the cognitive characteristics and emotion regulation skills of healthy adolescents were evaluated as better than those in the BD and DMDD groups.
Conclusions
Adolescents with BD and DMDD show impairments in social cognition, executive functioning, and emotion regulation. Integrating interventions targeting these areas into treatment plans may enhance psychosocial functioning and support better clinical outcomes for youth with BD and DMDD.
Plain Language Summary
This study compared how adolescents aged 12-18 with bipolar disorder (BD) or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) perform in areas of thinking skills, understanding social information, and managing emotions. These two groups were also compared with healthy adolescents. The study included 63 adolescents in total: 21 with BD, 21 with DMDD, and 21 healthy teens. Social cognition, thinking abilities and emotion regulation was evaluated in these adolescents. The results showed significant differences between the groups in all three social cognition tests. Adolescents belonging to BD and DMDD group showed poorer performance in cognitive abilities and emotion regulation. In conclusion, adolescents with BD and DMDD experience difficulties in social cognition, executive functioning, and emotion regulation. Adding interventions that focus on these areas to their treatment plans may help improve daily functioning and lead to better clinical outcomes.
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