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Cognitive function following a major depressive episode: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Maria Semkovska1, Lisa Quinlivan1, Tara O'Grady1
1Department of Psychology, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
The Lancet. Psychiatry
|August 20, 2019
Summary
Cognitive deficits in attention, working memory, and long-term memory persist after major depressive episodes, worsening with recurrence. Treatments should address these cognitive impairments for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive deficits may persist after major depressive episodes.
- Previous research shows inconsistent findings regarding the pattern, severity, and moderators of these deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive function in individuals post-major depressive episode with healthy controls.
- To specify the pattern and severity of persistent cognitive dysfunctions.
- To examine potential moderators of cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 1972 to 2018.
- Inclusion of studies assessing cognitive tests in individuals with past depression during remission, compared to healthy controls.
- Random-effects models used to calculate effect sizes for 75 cognitive variables across 18 domains.
Main Results:
- Significant cognitive deficits found in 73% of variables post-major depressive episode remission.
- Deficits were most pronounced in processing speed, attention, working memory, verbal learning, and executive functioning.
- Number of previous depressive episodes significantly explained heterogeneity in cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Persistent deficits in selective attention, working memory, and long-term memory are evident after major depressive episode remission.
- Cognitive impairments worsen with an increased number of prior depressive episodes.
- Future depression treatments should target cognitive functions to improve patient prognosis.
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