Cognitive Impairment in Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Background: Cognitive deficits have been widely reported in major depressive disorder. It is well known that patients with depression often have deficits in verbal and visual memory, verbal fluency, attention and short-term memory. Some of these deficits have also been reported to be maintained beyond acute phases, during clinical remission and euthymia.
Aims: To review current literature on cognitive deficits in major depressive disorder and its therapeutic approach.
Methods: Non-systematic review of the literature available in the PubMed database using the keywords “depression”, “major depressive disorder”, “cognitive impairment”, “cognitive function”, “cognition”.
Results and Conclusions: In some studies cognitive deficits in depression have been related with the use of antidepressant drugs. However, similar deficits were found in non-medicated patients who maintain residual cognitive deficits, even after adequate treatment and achievement of euthymia, with significant functional impairment. Variable patterns of cognitive deficits are found in patients receiving different antidepressants, when in remission of depressive episodes and without medication. The mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in major depressive disorder are not fully understood, but undoubtedly significantly impact patients’ lives. New therapeutic approaches towards cognitive complaints have been applied in these patients, such as cognitive remediation, previously used in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.