Overview
Episodic mood disorders are characterized by recurrent episodes of mood disturbance, primarily depression and/or mania 1. Cognitive impairment is a core feature and an important treatment target in these conditions 1.Diagnosis
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of mood disorders 1.
Childhood trauma is associated with poorer cognitive functioning in mood disorders 1.
Evidence for childhood trauma being related to poorer cognitive functioning was consistent across global cognitive functioning and executive function domains for euthymic patients and psychomotor speed for in-episode patients 1.
There was mixed evidence for verbal learning and memory and executive function for in-episode patients 1.Management
Cognitive impairment is an important treatment target in mood disorders 1.
Understanding factors contributing to cognitive impairment, such as childhood trauma, can aid in developing interventions 1.Special Populations
Childhood trauma is associated with cognitive functioning in adult samples with major depressive disorder and/or bipolar disorder 1.Key Recommendations
Childhood trauma is related to poorer global cognitive functioning and executive function in euthymic patients with mood disorders 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Childhood trauma is related to poorer psychomotor speed in patients with mood disorders who are currently experiencing an episode 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Interventions addressing cognitive impairment in mood disorders may benefit from understanding the role of childhood trauma 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Barczyk ZA, Foulds JA, Porter RJ, Douglas KM. Childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in mood disorders: A systematic review. Bipolar disorders 2023. link