The neuropsychology of depression and its implications for cognitive therapy

The past few years have witnessed a growing interest in the specialty of neuropsychology as well as continued support for cognitive therapy of depression. The purpose of this paper is the examination of the neuropsychology of depression and its implications for A. T. Beck's cognitive theory and therapy of depression ([1963] "Thinking and Depression: Idiosyncratic Content and Cognitive Distortions," Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol. 9, pp. 324-333; [1964] "Thinking and Depression," Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol. 10, pp. 561-571; [1967] Depression: Clinical, Experimental, and Theoretical Aspects, New York: Harper & Row). Specifically, the neuropsychological and cognitive theory and therapy literatures related to depression are reviewed followed by an integration of these areas. Neuropsychological evidence is presented that both supports cognitive theory and therapy of depression and helps explain why such therapy may prove ineffective in treating depression. Implications for clinical practice, including neuropsychological assessment of depressives, and potential future research directions are also provided.