B-98: Personality and Cognition: Exploring Predictors of Life Functioning in a Longitudinal Bipolar Disorder Cohort

Abstract

Objective: Predictors of illness course in bipolar disorder (BD) are difficult to identify. Strong predictors of functioning include personality traits, particularly high Neuroticism, and cognitive deficits. Personality trait pairs (styles) have tremendous promise for surpassing the effects of Neuroticism alone. We examined the predictability of personality styles and cognition on life functioning within a longitudinal BD cohort. Method/Data Selection: 487 individuals with BD from the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study completed the NEO PI-R at study entry and self-report measures of life functioning (SF-12) bimonthly since enrollment (M = 76.77 months of follow-up, SD = 53.94), and clinician-ratings of mood. Neuropsychological testing scores were aggregated into five cognitive domain composite scores. Results/Data Synthesis: Ten linear mixed-effects models were performed to examine predictors of mental health-related quality of life (MCS-12) over time for each personality style. Styles identified as risk factors for poor functioning were (N+E-), (N+E+), (N+C-), (E-O+), and (O+C-). Across all models, clinician-rated depression (HAM-D) (p < .001), age (p < .05), and number of mood episodes (p < .05) were significant predictors of functioning. Processing speed composite score was also a significant predictor among most models (p < .05). Conclusions: Personality styles offer higher predictability of life functioning in BD than cognition alone and include non-Neuroticism style combinations. By examining predictors of functioning within each individual personality style, there is evidence to suggest that both personality and cognition play strong roles in BD illness course progression.