Cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder

Abstract

A growing interest in cognitive dysfunction in MDD has improved our ability to assess and treat MDD. Future research will be strengthened by the use of consistent terminology, standardized cognitive screening, and treatments that target cognitive dysfunction in MDD. Integration of emotional and social treatment strategies may further advance clinical efficacy.

Social cognitive abilities predict psychosocial dysfunction in major depressive disorder

“…It is possible that psychosocial functioning in acutely depressed patients is influenced to a greater degree by deficits in cold cognition, as cognitive deficits are greater during the acute stage of illness (Hasselbalch et al., ; McCall & Dunn, ; Rock, Roiser, Riedel, & Blackwell, ). Emerging research is consistent with this explanation, as cold cognitive deficits (e.g., executive functioning, memory) are associated with psychosocial issues (Baune & Air, ; Knight & Baune, , ; McCall & Dunn, ; Rock et al., ), and may therefore override the effect of social cognition in currently depressed patients. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of other social cognitive factors (e.g., theory of mind) in currently depressed individuals (Hasselbalch et al., ).…”

“…Synthesis of social cognitive information requires coordination of several cognitive systems, including, visuospatial and verbal memory, as well as executive and attentional control (Baddeley, , 2002; Weightman et al., ). As a result, cold cognitive deficits in MDD may negatively interact with social cognitive issues (Baune et al., ; Cambridge, Knight, Mills, & Baune, ; Evans, Iverson, Yatham, & Lam, ; Knight & Baune, ; McIntyre & Lee, ; Weightman et al., ). Support for this notion has been found in research in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar, and schizophrenia (Anselmetti et al., ; Dhar, Been, Minderaa, & Althaus, ), with findings pointing to a negative effect of cognitive impairment (e.g., processing speed and executive functioning) on social abilities.…”

“…Current literature suggests that cold cognitive deficits contribute to psychosocial issues in MDD, independently of other symptoms (Cambridge et al., ; Evans et al., ; Knight & Baune, ; McIntyre & Lee, ). Specifically, relationships have been identified between several cold cognitive domains (i.e., executive, attention, and memory dysfunction) and issues in occupational functioning, interpersonal relationships, and self‐perceived quality of life (Caldirola et al., ; Evans et al., ; Kim et al., ; Knight & Baune, ; McIntyre et al., ).…”

“…No research has yet examined the contribution of social cognition to psychosocial functioning, highlighting the value of the current study. In particular, it is crucial to identify which social cognitive domains (e.g., facial affect recognition and prosody) are linked to functional issues, as these findings can provide specific targets for social cognitive treatment (Knight & Baune, , ; McIntyre & Lee, ).…”

BDNF controls cognitive processes related to neuropsychiatric manifestations via autophagic regulation of p62 and GABAA receptor trafficking

“…Cognitive impairment is associated with a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions (Bast et al, 2017;Knight and Baune, 2018), manifesting either as a core symptom of major mental illnesses (e.g., major depressive disorder [MDD], schizophrenia), as age-related decline of brain functions, or as a condition comorbid to neurodegenerative and other brain disorders. Pathobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment include deficits in neural plasticity or synaptic functions (Negrón-Oyarzo et al, 2016); however, the diversity of molecular entities and multiple neurotransmitter systems implicated in synaptic function and neuroplasticity have made it difficult to pinpoint relevant central neurobiological events contributing to cognitive dysfunction, and to identify therapeutic targets that can effectively alleviate these symptoms.…”