Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to process, understand and manage emotions. In bipolar disorder seem to be more conserved, with less functional impairment than other severe mental disorders as schizophrenia. So far, there are few studies analyzing emotional intelligence in bipolar disorder.

The objective of this research is to better understand the different characteristics and the factors affecting these social-cognitive dysfunctions in bipolar disorder.

To explore possible factors related to emotional intelligence in these severe mental disorders: symptoms, cognitive functioning, quality of life and psychosocial function.

Twenty-six adults bipolar type I patients were examined using MSCEIT (the most validated test for emotional intelligence), BPRS, YMRS, HDRS, WAIS-IV, TMT and Rey Figure in order to determine the level of emotional intelligence and factors relate.

Bipolar patients show lack of emotional intelligence when compared with general population. Cognitive impairment and age are the principal factors related.

Results are discussed and compared with recent literature.