Comparing Neurocognition, Social Cognition and Emotion Regulation in Youth with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) vs. Bipolar Disorder (BD)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare neurocognition, social cognition and emotion regulation of adolescents aged 12-18 years with bipolar spectrum disorder (BD) and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) to healthy adolescents.MethodsThe sample included 63 adolescents (21 BD, 21 DMDD, 21 healthy), matched for age and gender. Social cognition was assessed using the Faces, Eyes, and Faux Pas tasks. Neurocognitive performance was evaluated with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Test, while emotion regulation was measured via the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Affective Reactivity Index-Parent Form.ResultsSignificant differences were detected among the groups in all three of the theory of mind tests: faces, eyes and faux pas test, and healthy adolescents received statistically significantly higher scores. Both the cognitive characteristics and emotion regulation skills of healthy adolescents were evaluated as better than those in the BD and DMDD groups.ConclusionsAdolescents with BD and DMDD show impairments in social cognition, executive functioning, and emotion regulation. Integrating interventions targeting these areas into treatment plans may enhance psychosocial functioning and support better clinical outcomes for youth with BD and DMDD.