Functioning in bipolar disorder with substance abuse/dependence in a community sample of young adults

- This was a cross-sectional study nested in a community cohort with young adults.
- Functional impairment is associated with BD, independently of SAD in young adults.
- BD with SAD showed impairment in the cognitive domain as compared to controls.

AimTo assess the functional impairment of young adults with bipolar disorder with substance abuse/dependence comorbidity.MethodCross-sectional study within a community sample. Bipolar Disorder was assessed by qualified psychologists using The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - PLUS (MINI-PLUS). Substance abuse and dependence was assessed using the “Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test” (ASSIST). Functional impairment was assessed using the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST).ResultsThe sample included 1259 young adults. The prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BD) without Substance Abuse/Dependence (SAD) comorbidity was 5.9% (n=74), and the prevalence of bipolar disorder with substance abuse/dependence comorbidity was 1.4% (n=17). Both groups showed higher impairment in overall functioning, interpersonal relationship, and leisure time as compared to controls. In addition, BD+SAD showed higher impairment in the cognitive functioning domain of FAST.LimitationA battery of neuropsychological tests was not performed.ConclusionFunctional impairment is associated with BD, independently of substance abuse or dependence. In addition, BD+SAD present a more severe impairment in the cognitive domain of FAST as compared to controls.