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Autobiographical memory in the euthymic phase of recurrent depression
Philip Spinhoven1, Claudi L H Bockting, Aart H Schene
1Department of Psychology, Leiden University, Netherlands. spinhoven@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|July 27, 2006
Summary
Autobiographical memory specificity is impaired in formerly depressed individuals, suggesting a persistent global cognitive deficit rather than a predictor of future depressive episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive impairments.
- Autobiographical memory specificity (AMSp) is a cognitive function often affected in depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate AMSp in euthymic patients with a history of depression.
- To determine if AMSp is linked to relapse or residual symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 122 euthymic patients with at least two prior MDD episodes were compared to matched controls.
- Autobiographical memory specificity was assessed.
- Associations with illness characteristics, cognitive therapy, and relapse were examined over a 2-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- AMSp was significantly impaired in formerly depressed patients compared to controls.
- AMSp was not related to residual symptoms, illness characteristics, or cognitive therapy effects.
- AMSp did not predict relapse or recurrence over 2 years.
- AMSp was associated with age, education, and general memory recall.
Conclusions:
- Impaired AMSp in formerly depressed individuals may indicate a lasting global cognitive impairment.
- AMSp is not a reliable trait marker for predicting vulnerability to depressive relapse or recurrence.