Project Summary

Boaz Levy, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of Harvard Medical School, plans to study the cognitive impact that substance abuse has on the severity of bipolar disease. Substance abuse by people with bipolar disorder is known to be associated with an earlier age of disease onset, more severe symptoms, less favorable remission rates, multiple inpatient admissions, and a higher mortality rate. But little is known about the cognitive functioning of such patients. Dr. Levy’s study will compare cognitive functioning of 50 bipolar I patients who abuse substances compared with 50 patients not abusing substances; testing will be performed upon discharge from an inpatient unit and after three months. The hypothesis is that substance use that occurs 90 days prior to admission will be associated with greater cognitive deficits (measured by neuropsychological tests) upon discharge and a more limited recovery three months later. Understanding the degree and duration of cognitive recovery after discharge may help to develop better bipolar disease treatment and illness management, and thereby reduce relapses, suffering, and cost.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar\Substance Abuse

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