Cognitive deficits in depressive disorder

Abstract

Depression is a globally prevalent mental disorder, often accompanied by various cognitive impairments. Cognitive impairment in depression is related to brain dysfunction, resulting from focal brain damage affecting cognitive functions. Its primary manifestations include memory loss, visual disturbances, hallucinations, executive function deficits, and difficulties in sustaining attention. Cognitive functions encompass perception, cognition, and interaction with the external environment, constituting complex brain processes. Presently, our understanding of cognitive impairment in depression remains somewhat limited, underscoring the importance of further in-depth research. Damage to specific brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial temporal lobe can result in cognitive deficits in severe depression patients. Interventions tailored to these lesions, such as computerized cognitive tasks and brain stimulation techniques, contribute to cognitive improvement in depression patients. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, including breath control, assist patients in reducing stress and negative emotions. Cognitive bias modification and creative art therapy promote both mental and physical well-being. Moreover, exposure to pleasant music and engaging in aerobic exercise facilitate the recovery of depression patients with cognitive impairments. Regarding pharmacological treatments, duloxetine, vortioxetine, liraglutide, intranasal insulin, and intracerebral insulin can be employed for intervention in cognitive impairment associated with depression.