ePrints

The nature of abnormal language processing in euthymic bipolar I disorder: Evidence for a relationship between task demand and prefrontal function

Lookup NU author(s): Jill Thompson, Dr Adrian Lloyd, Professor Allan Young, Emeritus Professor Nicol Ferrier

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Objectives: Abnormal language processing is a consistent finding in bipolar disorder (BD). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the core components of language processing as well as the impact of task demand in a group of bipolar subjects. Methods: Twelve euthymic dextral male BD I participants receiving lithium monotherapy were matched with 12 controls. Groups were matched for age, years of education and estimated premorbid IQ. We employed a factorial design manipulating task demand (decision versus fluency) and task domain (phonetic versus semantic) to investigate differences in language processing between groups and across different task domains and requirements. Data were fitted to haemodynamic response models convolved to the experimental design. Group and task difference maps were generated. Results: During the scanning session bipolar patients demonstrated significantly slower reaction times. However, groups demonstrated the same task accuracy except for one domain (phonetic decision). All participants activated regions known to be engaged by language tasks, but compared to controls the bipolar patients showed altered patterns of prefrontal activation which were related to the nature of the task, language processing, and increasing task demand. Conclusions: We have demonstrated abnormal prefrontal activation in bipolar patients across a range of language tasks with varying task demands. © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Curtis VA, Thompson JM, Seal ML, Monks PJ, Lloyd AJ, Harrison L, Brammer MJ, Williams SCR, Murray RM, Young AH, Ferrier IN

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Bipolar Disorders

Year: 2007

Volume: 9

Issue: 4

Pages: 358-369

ISSN (print): 1398-5647

ISSN (electronic): 1399-5618

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00422.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2007.00422.x

PubMed id: 17547582

Altmetrics

Share