Computer-based cognitive training for patients with unipolar depression

Abstract

Introduction

Unipolar depression is a public health problem and is the most common psychiatric disorder among people with long-term sick leave in Denmark. Patients with unipolar depression are often associated with deficits in cognitive function long after the affective symptoms have disappeared. This could explain the long-term sick leave among patients suffering from unipolar depression. Computer-based cognitive training has been used to increase cognitive function in other patient groups.

Objectives

It is unknown whether cognitive functions are improved in patients with depression by help of a cognitive computer program. Further we investigate whether this intervention shortens sick leave.

Aims

To investigate whether a computer-based cognitive training group present a higher score in cognitive function after training and return to their employment earlier compared to the control group.

Methods

The study includes patients who have been admitted because of depression, but are finished with their treatment. When the patients are discharged, they will be randomizes into two groups and evaluated on their cognitive function. Only one of the two groups will receive computer-based cognitive training. After 12 week the two groups’ cognitive function will be compared. Furthermore there is a six-month follow up, to show if or when the participants have returned to work.

Results

The results will be presented at the EPA March 2016 in Madrid.

Conclusion

Based on the results of study it is our intention to conclude whether or not to implement computer-based cognitive training in treatment of patients with depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.