A new study shows Impaired verbal memory can increase psychiatric patients' risk of hospitalization
A new study shows Impaired verbal memory can increase psychiatric patients' risk of hospitalization. According to Kamilla Miskowiak, a professor at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Psychology, there is a well-established understanding that patients who have been hospitalized for major depression or bipolar disorder experience impaired memory. However, the previous belief was that the severity of the illness alone was responsible for this memory impairment. Now, it is becoming evident that the connection between memory and psychiatric illness is bidirectional, suggesting a reciprocal influence between the two.
Recollection plays a crucial role in both the professional and social lives of individuals. Recent studies have revealed a new aspect of linguistic memory, indicating that it also influences the likelihood of hospitalization or re-admission to a psychiatric facility for individuals with bipolar disorder or depression who are undergoing psychiatric treatment. The ability to remember words now emerges as a significant factor in determining the outcomes of these individuals' mental health journeys.
In a recent study, Kamilla Miskowiak, along with senior researcher Anjali Sankar and a team of researchers from the Neurobiological Research Unit at Rigshospitalet and UCPH, conducted a long-term monitoring of 518 patients. These individuals had previously participated in cognitive assessments as part of other research studies. The researchers carefully observed and analyzed the data collected from these participants over the course of several years, aiming to gain further insights into their cognitive functions and psychiatric conditions.
The researchers incorporated data from Statistics Denmark to expand their investigation. By utilizing the data from previous studies, they specifically focused on exploring the impact of linguistic memory and executive functions on the probability of patients being admitted to a psychiatric ward. Executive functions encompass cognitive abilities such as planning and problem-solving, which are essential for daily functioning and decision-making. Through this comprehensive analysis, the researchers aimed to shed light on the relationship between cognitive functions and psychiatric hospitalization, providing valuable insights for improved treatment and care strategies.
According to Kamilla Miskowiak, even after taking into consideration variables such as previous hospitalization, illness severity, and depressive symptoms, it is evident that having a weak linguistic memory on its own significantly increases the risk of being hospitalized for psychiatric reasons. This finding highlights the independent influence of linguistic memory on the likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing cognitive impairments in individuals with mental health conditions. By recognizing the role of linguistic memory in psychiatric outcomes, healthcare professionals can better identify and provide targeted interventions to minimize the risk of hospitalization and improve overall patient well-being.
The risk of hospitalization can be doubled
According to the study's findings, if an individual has previously experienced clinically significant difficulties with learning and retaining verbal information, there is an approximately 84% greater likelihood of being admitted to a psychiatric ward.
Although the study did not provide a definitive reason for the association between verbal memory impairment and the increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization, Kamilla Miskowiak suggests that this could be attributed to patients' difficulties in remembering their medication and managing daily responsibilities. These challenges may contribute to heightened stress levels, potentially leading to a greater likelihood of psychiatric hospitalization.
Kamilla Miskowiak elaborates on the subject, stating that stress plays a crucial role as a risk factor for relapse, particularly in individuals with mental health conditions who already face challenges in handling daily tasks. Consequently, when confronted with the additional burden of verbal memory impairment, the likelihood of experiencing new episodes of severe depression or mania increases. This escalation in symptoms can ultimately lead to a greater need for hospitalization.
Contrarily, the study did not reveal a significant correlation between executive function impairment and an increased risk of hospitalization. Additionally, patients with cognitive impairments did not appear to face significant disadvantages in social aspects such as employment, cohabitation, and marital status.
Even though impaired executive function did not show a substantial association with the risk of hospitalization, the study did find a correlation between reduced executive function and a 51% lower probability of achieving higher education, such as a polytechnic or university degree. Kamilla Miskowiak proposes that challenges in planning and executing problem-solving strategies during academic pursuits could hinder educational attainment, and conversely, the lack of higher education may contribute to difficulties in executive functioning.
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Despite the absence of a significant relationship between impaired executive function and the risk of hospitalization, the study did reveal a connection between reduced executive function and a 51% lower likelihood of attaining higher education, such as a polytechnic or university degree. Kamilla Miskowiak proposes that difficulties in planning and executing problem-solving strategies during academic endeavors could hinder educational achievement, and conversely, the lack of higher education may contribute to challenges in executive functioning.
Kamilla Miskowiak emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on treating patients' symptoms of depression or mania but also prioritizing the enhancement of their cognitive functions, including memory, once they have achieved stability in their symptoms. It is inadequate to solely address mood-related symptoms without considering and actively working on improving cognitive abilities.
Kamilla Miskowiak highlights that approximately 50% of patients with recurrent depression or bipolar disorder encounter ongoing cognitive function difficulties, including memory impairment. This observation underscores the necessity for implementing more comprehensive cognitive assessments and developing novel treatment strategies to address these challenges effectively.
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