Cognitive Screeners in Youth With Bipolar Disorder: Challenges and Opportunities

What is it about?

Youth with bipolar disorder often experience cognitive difficulties that can affect their academic performance and social interactions. Cognitive screening tools are recommended for adults, but their use with youth is still limited. Through our study, we’ve found that while clinicians recognize the potential of cognitive screeners for youth with bipolar disorder, many are unaware of the tools available or face barriers to using them in practice. This paper provides practical information and recommendations for clinicians to use cognitive screening tools to better support youth with bipolar disorder.

Featured Image

Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash

Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Early identification of cognitive difficulties in adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder is essential, as these impairments can adversely affect academic, social, and functional outcomes. This work explores the current challenges and opportunities in implementing cognitive screening tools for this youth with bipolar disorder, with the goal of making these tools more accessible and clinically useful. Improving screening practices can facilitate timely, targeted interventions and ultimately enhance long-term outcomes for youth with bipolar disorder.