Yamamuro K, et al. - In view of the significance of evaluating subtle differences between schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), differences in brain functioning between were determined by focusing on the common symptoms of cognitive functioning and impulsivity rather than positive/negative and mood symptoms. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, oxyhemoglobin changes were shown to be lower during the verbal fluency task (VFT) and the Stroop color-word task (SCWT) in patients with SZ and BD compared to healthy controls. Thus, different hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex reflect cognitive functioning and impulsivity, providing greater insight into the pathophysiology underkying SZ and BD.