Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with cognitive decline across its phases. Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) measures brain electrical activity and can assess cognitive functions.
Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between QEEG findings and cognitive functioning in BD patients, aiming to identify specific EEG markers correlating with cognitive deficits by comparing BD patients to healthy controls.
Patients and Methods: We hypothesized that BD patients would show distinct QEEG abnormalities associated with poorer cognitive outcomes compared to controls. Data were collected from 50 BD patients and 50 controls, including QEEG recordings and cognitive assessments.
Results: Significant differences were found in QEEG patterns between BD patients and controls. BD patients had lower MoCA scores (20.36 ± 4.82 vs. 27.10 ± 1.88, p < 0.001) and SDMT scores (27.46 ± 14.04 vs. 34.42 ± 10.19, p = 0.006), with higher TMT-A (p < 0.001) and TMT-B (p < 0.001) scores. QEEG showed increased Delta (T6, η² = 0.102, p < 0.001), Theta, and decreased Alpha and Beta power in BD patients.
Conclusion: QEEG can potentially diagnose cognitive dysfunction in BD patients, offering a basis for personalized treatment strategies based on QEEG findings. This study supports developing QEEG-based diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans for cognitive impairments in BD.