Reconsidering the Genetic Overlap Between Cognition and Bipolar Disorder: A Commentary on D'Amico et al.'s Family Study.

This article critically examines a study on the genetic relationship between cognitive function and bipolar disorder (BD) in a family sample, highlighting the finding that cognitive deficits in BD appear largely independent of shared genetic factors. It discusses contrasting evidence from previous research, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that show limited genetic overlap between BD and cognitive traits such as fluid intelligence. The article also addresses the use of the DANVA2 test for social cognition, noting mixed findings on affect recognition in BD, and emphasizes the potential importance of investigating a broader range of genetic variants beyond copy number variants. Finally, it considers the strengths and limitations of family-based versus population-level genetic studies in understanding the complex interplay among genetics, cognition, and BD, advocating for integrated, multi-method research approaches.