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Neuropsychological function and diurnal variation in depression
T Porterfield1, M Cook, I J Deary
1University of Edinburg, George Square, UK.
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|April 3, 1998
Summary
Executive functions, particularly verbal fluency, show diurnal mood variations in major depressive episodes. Personality measures remained stable, highlighting objective performance tests for mood assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Major depressive episode (DSM-III-R) can present with diurnal mood variation.
- Assessing mood fluctuations objectively is crucial for understanding depressive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of diurnal mood variations on neuropsychological test performance in patients with major depressive episodes.
- To identify which neuropsychological tests are sensitive to diurnal mood changes and which personality measures are robust.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six patients with DSM-III-R major depressive episode and diurnal mood variation were tested.
- Neuropsychological tests, including executive function and personality measures, were administered twice daily (morning and evening).
Main Results:
- Executive function tests, especially verbal fluency, demonstrated significant sensitivity to diurnal mood variations.
- Personality measures showed relative robustness, with no significant impact from diurnal mood fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- Objective neuropsychological tests, particularly those assessing executive functions like verbal fluency, can reliably detect diurnal mood variations in depression.
- Personality assessments appear less affected by these diurnal mood shifts, suggesting distinct measurement properties.