Article

Frequency and characteristics of recurrent major depressed patients with unimpaired executive functions.

Department of Clinical Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry (impact factor: 2.38). 02/2005; 6(1):36-44.
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Major depression is associated with impairment of cognitive functions, and especially higher-order cognitive processes referred to as executive functions (EF). Whether this is a general finding is unclear. Patients without EF impairment may have different treatment needs than patients with EF impairment, and will probably have a better everyday functioning. Thus, it is important to identify the prevalence and characteristics of depressed patients without EF impairment. Forty-three patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (19-51 years) and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. The subjects were assessed with neuropsychological tests selected to measure central areas of EF, and screened on clinical and demographic variables. Within the depressed group, a total of 56% were defined as EF unimpaired. These patients were characterised by higher intellectual abilities and fewer depression episodes than the subgroup of patients with EF impairment. The subgroups were similar in age at debut of illness, severity of depression, general psychopathology and global level of functioning. In conclusion, about half of patients with recurrent major depression have normal EF. Since cognitive impairment and depressive symptomatology seem to be distinct dimensions, a neuropsychological investigation could help to ensure optimal treatment in patients with recurrent major depression.

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    Article: Cognitive functioning in major depression--a summary.
    Asa Hammar, Guro Ardal
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: The aim of the present paper is to summarize the research during the past decade regarding cognitive functioning in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Cognitive impairment in the acute phase of illness has been frequently reported. The findings are shown in different cognitive domains, such as executive functions, attention, memory and psychomotor speed. Fewer reports have investigated cognitive functioning in MDD in longitudinal studies. Some longitudinal reports show that the impairment observed in the acute phase of illness may be long lasting despite symptom reduction and recovery. However, findings regarding cognitive functioning in depression are divergent. Factors that might contribute to the divergent findings, such as depression subtype, severity and comorbidity are discussed. Clinical implications and focus of future research directions is highlighted.In conclusion, depression is associated with cognitive impairment in the acute phase of illness, and some reports indicate that this impairment might be long lasting despite symptom reduction and recovery.
    Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 01/2009; 3:26. · 2.34 Impact Factor
Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.

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Keywords

50 healthy controls
 
cognitive functions
 
cognitive impairment
 
demographic variables
 
depressed group
 
depressed patients
 
depression episodes
 
depressive symptomatology
 
distinct dimensions
 
EF impairment
 
executive functions
 
general psychopathology
 
global level
 
higher intellectual abilities
 
higher-order cognitive processes
 
Major depression
 
measure central areas
 
neuropsychological investigation
 
recurrent major depression
 
recurrent major depressive disorder