P0205 - Depression, anxiety and their correlation with cognitive functions in affective disorders

Abstract

Background:

In patients suffering from depression, neuropsychological deficiencies of attention, memory, psychomotor speed and executive functions are observed.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to find relationship between selected cognitive functions, and intensity of depression and anxiety as state and trait in depressed patients.

Methods:

16 Patients meeting the ICD 10 criteria of depressive disorders (F32, F33) were recruited. Patients with mild-to-moderate depression as measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score were included in the study. The battery of cognitive neuropsychological tests used to assess cognitive functions included: trail making test, part A and B, and Stroop test, part RCNb and NCWd. The intensity of anxiety as state and trait was assessed with the use of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The results were analyzed statistically.

Results of the study:

In the examined group no statistically significant relation between the results neuropsychological tests (trail making test, part A and B, Stroop test) and the intensity of depression measured with BDI, and the intensity of anxiety as state and trait, measured with STAI was found. Interestingly a statistically significant relation was found between intensity of depression and intensity of anxiety.

Conclusions:

It seems interesting that no co-relation between the clinical symptoms and cognitive functions was found. It may be consistent with some of the observations, according to which a pharmacological treatment of depression causes an improvement in cognitive functioning of the patients which is independent of the clinical improvement.