Neuroscience
A meta-analysis of cognitive deficits in first-episode Major Depressive Disorder
Journal of Affective Disorders. 2011 Nov 14;
Lee RS, Hermens DF, Porter MA, Redoblado-Hodge MA
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrent-episode Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with a number of neuropsychological deficits. To date, less is known about whether these are present in the first-episode. The current aim was to systematically evaluate the literature on first-episode MDD to determine whether cognition may be a feasible target for early identification and intervention. METHODS: Electronic database searches were conducted to examine neuropsychological studies in adults (mean age greater than 18years old) with a first-episode of MDD. Effect sizes were pooled by cognitive domain. Using meta-regression techniques, demographic and clinical factors potentially influencing heterogeneity of neuropsychological outcome were also investigated. RESULTS: The 15 independent samples reviewed yielded data for 644 patients with a mean age of 39.36years (SD=10.21). Significant cognitive deficits were identified (small to medium effect sizes) for psychomotor speed, attention, visual learning and memory, and all aspects of executive functioning. Symptom remission, inpatient status, antidepressant use, age and educational attainment, each significantly contributed to heterogeneity in effect sizes in at least one cognitive domain. LIMITATIONS: Reviewed studies were limited by small sample sizes and often did not report important demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis was the first to systematically demonstrate reduced neuropsychological functioning in first-episode MDD. Psychomotor speed and memory functioning were associated with clinical state, whereas attention and executive functioning were more likely trait-markers. Demographic factors were also associated with heterogeneity across studies. Overall, cognitive deficits appear to be feasible early markers and targets for early intervention in MDD.PMID: 22088608
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Prospective Memory
Remember to Buy Milk on the Way Home! A Meta-analytic Review of Prospective Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. 2012 May 18;:1-11 Authors: van den Berg E, Kant N, Postma A Abstract...
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Palmer BW, Dawes SE, & Heaton RK. (2009). What Do We Know About Neuropsychological Aspects Of Schizophrenia? Neuropsychology Review. Jul 30 [e-pub ahead of print]. Application of a neuropsychological perspective to the study of schizophrenia has established...
- Abstract Of The Day: Neuropsychology Of Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci)
Lopez OL, Becker JT, Jagust W, Fitzpatrick A, Carlson M, T DU, Breitner J, Lyketsos C, Jones B, Kawas C, & Kuller LH. Neuropsychological characteristics of mild cognitive impairment subgroups. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2005 Aug...
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Rapp MA, Schnaider Beeri M, Schmeidler J, Sano M, Silverman JM, Haroutunian V. Relationship of neuropsychological performance to functional status in nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry....
Neuroscience
Neuropsychology Abstract of the Day: Cognition in Depression
A meta-analysis of cognitive deficits in first-episode Major Depressive Disorder
Journal of Affective Disorders. 2011 Nov 14;
Lee RS, Hermens DF, Porter MA, Redoblado-Hodge MA
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrent-episode Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with a number of neuropsychological deficits. To date, less is known about whether these are present in the first-episode. The current aim was to systematically evaluate the literature on first-episode MDD to determine whether cognition may be a feasible target for early identification and intervention. METHODS: Electronic database searches were conducted to examine neuropsychological studies in adults (mean age greater than 18years old) with a first-episode of MDD. Effect sizes were pooled by cognitive domain. Using meta-regression techniques, demographic and clinical factors potentially influencing heterogeneity of neuropsychological outcome were also investigated. RESULTS: The 15 independent samples reviewed yielded data for 644 patients with a mean age of 39.36years (SD=10.21). Significant cognitive deficits were identified (small to medium effect sizes) for psychomotor speed, attention, visual learning and memory, and all aspects of executive functioning. Symptom remission, inpatient status, antidepressant use, age and educational attainment, each significantly contributed to heterogeneity in effect sizes in at least one cognitive domain. LIMITATIONS: Reviewed studies were limited by small sample sizes and often did not report important demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis was the first to systematically demonstrate reduced neuropsychological functioning in first-episode MDD. Psychomotor speed and memory functioning were associated with clinical state, whereas attention and executive functioning were more likely trait-markers. Demographic factors were also associated with heterogeneity across studies. Overall, cognitive deficits appear to be feasible early markers and targets for early intervention in MDD.PMID: 22088608
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Prospective Memory
Remember to Buy Milk on the Way Home! A Meta-analytic Review of Prospective Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. 2012 May 18;:1-11 Authors: van den Berg E, Kant N, Postma A Abstract...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Cognitive Rehab In Ugandan Childhood Malaria Survivors
Bangirana P, Giordani B, John CC, Page C, Opoka RO, & Boivin MJ (2009). Immediate Neuropsychological and Behavioral Benefits of Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation in Ugandan Pediatric Cerebral Malaria Survivors. Journal of Development and Behavioral...
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Schizophrenia And Cognition
Palmer BW, Dawes SE, & Heaton RK. (2009). What Do We Know About Neuropsychological Aspects Of Schizophrenia? Neuropsychology Review. Jul 30 [e-pub ahead of print]. Application of a neuropsychological perspective to the study of schizophrenia has established...
- Abstract Of The Day: Neuropsychology Of Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci)
Lopez OL, Becker JT, Jagust W, Fitzpatrick A, Carlson M, T DU, Breitner J, Lyketsos C, Jones B, Kawas C, & Kuller LH. Neuropsychological characteristics of mild cognitive impairment subgroups. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2005 Aug...
- Abstract Of The Day: Executive Task Performance And Functional Status In Elderly Persons
Rapp MA, Schnaider Beeri M, Schmeidler J, Sano M, Silverman JM, Haroutunian V. Relationship of neuropsychological performance to functional status in nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry....