Abstract
Background It is reported that executive functions are impaired in a variety of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including depressive disorders. Studies on executive functions in depressive disorders are inconclusive. Methods A total of 50 drug naive patients with major depressive disorder were included in the study. The severity of depression was measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and executive functions were assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Digit Vigilance Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Animal naming test, Verbal N back (1&2) test, Trail making test A & B and Stroop test as per the NIMHANS Neuropsychology Battery 2004 manual. Results The mean age of the sample was 31.9 years. Females constituted 60% of the sample. A majority were Hindus, nearly 75% were from semi-urban areas, 66% were married, and 58% had a college education. Depression was associated with poor performance on executive functions except for working memory and set shifting. Older age, greater severity of depression, a longer duration of illness and the duration of the present episode were associated with poor performance on executive functions. A higher level of education was associated with better performance on executive functions. Conclusions This cross-sectional assessment suggests that some aspects of executive functions are impaired in patients with major depressive disorder. Further studies in remitted patients, controlled for age, and education level are suggested.
Highlights
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common condition with a high rate of recurrence, chronicity, and a significant economic burden, including disability in the work force
Depression was associated with poor performance on executive functions except for working memory and set shifting
Greater severity of depression, a longer duration of illness and the duration of the present episode were associated with poor performance on executive functions
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common condition with a high rate of recurrence, chronicity, and a significant economic burden, including disability in the work force. In addition to work impairment, the psychosocial impact of MDD often affects a person’s level of functioning in the family and social relationships. Sequence actions and cope with novel situations. It makes an individual independent, creative and socially integrated [5]. These functions are disturbed in deficits of functioning in frontal lobe, parietal lobe, cingulate cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellar lesions. It is reported that executive functions are impaired in a variety of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including depressive disorders.
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