Cognitive Remediation for Bipolar Disorder

A substantial proportion of people with bipolar disorder experience persistent cognitive difficulties associated with functional impairments and hindering recovery. However, evidence-based cognitive treatments are limited. Recent findings indicate that cognitive remediation, a psychological intervention targeting cognitive deficits to improve functioning, may introduce meaningful benefits in these outcomes for people with bipolar disorder. In this chapter, we provide a critical review of these findings, as well as an overview of the rationale, core components and objectives of cognitive remediation therapy. Specifically, we focus on CIRCuiTS™, a metacognitive, therapist-led approach combining cognitive training with the development of strategies and the transfer of newly acquired skills to real-life activities and goals in order to facilitate recovery. A case study is presented to demonstrate the structure and the tools of this therapeutic approach. We also consider future research directions and potential challenges for the field of cognitive remediation in bipolar disorder.