Relationship between executive function and depressive symptoms during the tower of London test in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between executive function and depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD) under the Tower of London Test (TOL). Methods Thirty depression patients and thirty age-, gender-, education-matched normal controls participated in the study. All subjects received the Tower of London Test. The severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA) and Beck Depression Rating Scale(BDI). Results (1)The numbers of correct response and total response of the TOL in MDD(9.1±5.1, 12.1±5.3) were significantly lower than those of the control group(13.8±5.0, 17.3±3.9)(P<0.05). The response time of the TOL test in patients with MDD((10.4±2.8)s) was significantly longer than that of the control group((8.5±2.2)s)(P<0.05). (2)The scores of HAMD , BDI and HAMA were negatively correlated with numbers of total response(r=-0.403, -0.544, -0.495, ) in patients with MDD (all P<0.05). Conclusion The executive function of patients with MDD is impaired and negatively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms under the Tower of London Test. Key words: Depression; Tower of London test; Executive function