The effect of psychoeducational psychotherapy on neurocognitive functions, quality of life, and emotion regulation in adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder: A randomized controlled trial

AI Summary

Psychoeducational psychotherapy significantly improved difficulties in emotion regulation and quality of life in euthymic adolescents with bipolar disorder after 12 weeks.
PEP reduced irritability and decreased overall disease severity, indicating improved functioning compared with non-PEP controls.
No significant changes were observed in neurocognitive measures on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Test.

AI Summary

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP) on neurocognitive functions, symptomatology, quality of life, and emotion regulation in euthymic adolescents diagnosed with BD.

They were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Stroop Test; Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Affective Reactivity Index, the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Children's Depression Rating Scale.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that PEP has a positive impact on difficulties in emotion regulation and quality of life in adolescents diagnosed with BD.

Basic summary

Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2026 Jun 24:1-12. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2026.2690220. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two adolescents diagnosed with BD were randomized, with 16 receiving psychoeducational psychotherapy. They were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Stroop Test; Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Affective Reactivity Index, the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Children’s Depression Rating Scale.

RESULTS: When comparing the group that received PEP with the non-PEP group after 12 weeks, DERS scores, quality of life scores, irritability scores and disease severity showed improvements. No changes were observed in neurocognitive function assessments.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that PEP has a positive impact on difficulties in emotion regulation and quality of life in adolescents diagnosed with BD. It also suggests that PEP contributes to reducing irritability and improving overall functioning. Therefore, PEP appears to be a beneficial therapeutic approach that can be incorporated into routine treatment for adolescents with BD.

PMID:42340667 | DOI:10.1080/21622965.2026.2690220

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