Cognitive Impairment in Major Depressive Disorder and Severe Depressive Episode with Psychotic Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction

Cognitive impairment in patients with depressive disorder is a subject of intensive research.

Objectives

This study deals with the cognitive impairment in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms and patients with major depressive disorder during the acute state of illness.

Aims

The aim was to define domains and the level of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients.

The next aim was to compare profiles of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients.

The last aim was to find out a relationship between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episode during the acute state of illness.

Methods

We have used neuropsychological test battery (Auditory–Verbal Learning Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Logical Memory, Digit span test, Trail making test, Verbal Fluency Test, Block Design and Benton Visual Retention Test) for the evaluation of the cognitive functions in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (n = 5) and patients with major depressive disorder (n = 8).

Results

We found cognitive impairment in all examined domains in both groups of patients.

More profound cognitive impairment was found in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, particularly in visual memory, visuo-constructive abilities, speed of cognitive processing and executive functions. We found no correlation between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episodes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a strong correlation between psychotic symptoms in depression and cognitive performance.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.