Jumping to Conclusions in First‐Episode Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder
Ezgi Cesim, Muhammed Demir, Merve Sümeyye Eyüboğlu, Cemal Demirlek, Burcu Verim, Simge Uzman Özbek, Ekin Süt, Aybüke Küçükakdağ, Yaren Ecesu Turan, Özge İlhan, Berna Yalınçetin, Emre BoraABSTRACT
Aim
Jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias, which is frequently observed in psychosis, is the tendency to make decisions based on inadequate information. This study explored JTC bias in individuals with first‐episode bipolar disorder (FEBD, n = 52), first‐episode psychosis (FEP, n = 61) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 38).
Method
JTC bias was assessed using the Bead Task, in which participants were asked to draw as many beads as they wanted and make conclusions about their source.
Result
The results showed that both the FEBD and FEP groups exhibited a significantly longer response time and higher tendency to make decisions after drawing a single bead compared to HCs, indicating a subtle tendency towards hastier decision‐making in these patient groups. No significant correlations were found between JTC bias and clinical measures.
Discussion
This study highlights that JTC bias is present in both FEP and FEBD, pointing to potential vulnerabilities in decision‐making early in these disorders. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine whether addressing reasoning biases could ultimately benefit decision‐making processes in these populations.