[Executive functions and their role in predicting therapeutic response in patients with depressive disorders]

To identify differences in executive functions in patients with depressive disorders depending on their sensitivity to antidepressants.

The study included 70 patients with depressive disorder. All patients received syndrome-induced psychopharmacotherapy, which included antidepressants and normotimics. The severity of depressive disorder was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The criterion for the effectiveness of therapy (sensitivity) was an improvement in clinical symptoms by 50% or more, as measured with HDRS. The study was performed in two stages (points): at the first point, patients were examined upon admission to the Department before taking medications, and the second point was performed after a 4-week treatment of patients in the hospital. The assessment of executive functions was performed using computer tests Go/Nogo, Corsi and Stroop.

Patients with depressive disorders who were not sensitive to therapy were characterized by low performance in executive functions compared to patients with a positive therapeutic response. Based on the data obtained, a multiple linear regression equation was constructed to predict the therapeutic response based on individual differences in the results of cognitive tests, regardless of potential clinical and demographic factors.