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Inhibitory control, working memory and coping with stress: Associations with symptoms of anxiety and depression in

Abagail E Ciriegio1, Kelly H Watson1, Anna C Pfalzer2

  • 1Department of Psychology and Human Development.

Neuropsychology
|February 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

In adults with Huntington's disease, better inhibitory control/attention skills were linked to improved coping strategies, which in turn reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Working memory did not show similar associations.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing significant stress.
  • Anxiety and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in HD patients.
  • Executive functions and coping skills are potential factors influencing these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between executive function (inhibitory control/attention, working memory), coping strategies, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with HD.
  • To identify specific executive function and coping mechanisms that may mitigate psychological distress in HD.

Main Methods:

  • Adults with HD completed assessments of executive function (NIH Toolbox), coping strategies, and anxiety/depression symptoms.
  • Path analyses were employed to examine direct and indirect associations between executive functioning, coping, and symptomology.

Main Results:

  • In a subsample with adequate executive function, higher inhibitory control/attention was associated with increased use of secondary coping strategies (acceptance, reappraisal).
  • Greater use of these secondary coping skills correlated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • No significant associations were found for working memory, coping, and symptoms in the full sample or subsample.

Conclusions:

  • Enhancing executive function, particularly inhibitory control/attention, may be a viable intervention target.
  • Interventions aimed at improving coping skills, such as acceptance and reappraisal, could help manage anxiety and depression in HD.
  • Future research should explore targeted interventions for HD patients.
Abstract

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