The aim of this article is to present the current state of knowledge in the field of cognitive dysfunctions in bipolar disorders (BD). These dysfunctions are considered to be a result of brain activation disorders and occur in such domains as attention, psychomotor speed, visuospatial abilities, different aspects of executive functions (e.g. cognitive flexibility, reaction inhibition), decision making, memory and learning, emotion processing. The picture of cognitive dysfunctions is different in states of mania and depression. Cognitive dysfunctions are present not only in different phases of the disease but also during the remission period, alike in schizophrenia. However, its intensity is smaller comparing to dysfunctions in schizophrenia. Until now, there is no profile of cognitive dysfunctions specific to all BD patients. This article also indicates that there are many different factors which can influence cognitive dysfunctions in BD, e.g. clinical picture (different age of onset, presence of psychotic symptoms), comorbidity of other diseases and influence of pharmacological treatment.