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

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. 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.