13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background

Twin studies have lacked statistical power to apply advanced genetic modelling techniques to the search for cognitive endophenotypes for bipolar disorder.

Aims

To quantify the shared genetic variability between bipolar disorder and cognitive measures.

Method

Structural equation modelling was performed on cognitive data collected from 331 twins/siblings of varying genetic relatedness, disease status and concordance for bipolar disorder.

Results

Using a parsimonious AE model, verbal episodic and spatial working memory showed statistically significant genetic correlations with bipolar disorder (rg = |0.23|–|0.27|), which lost statistical significance after covarying for affective symptoms. Using an ACE model, IQ and visual-spatial learning showed statistically significant genetic correlations with bipolar disorder (rg = |0.51|–|1.00|), which remained significant after covarying for affective symptoms.

Conclusions

Verbal episodic and spatial working memory capture a modest fraction of the bipolar diathesis. IQ and visual-spatial learning may tap into genetic substrates of non-affective symptomatology in bipolar disorder.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-47
Number of pages9
JournalBritish Journal of Psychiatry
Volume208
Issue number6
Early online date1 Jun 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2016

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