Cognitive functioning in depression: a review of theory and research

Abstract

SynopsisThis paper reviews recent research into cognitive functioning in depression, with particular reference to the theories of Lewinsohn, Beck, Seligman and Klein. The major cognitive changes in depression are a decrease in the ability to maintain concentration and effort, and an increase in the relative salience of aversive events and memories, with a corresponding decrease in the salience of pleasant events. There is as yet little evidence to support the view that depressions arise out of pre-existing depressive attitudes. Attention is drawn to the heterogeneity of depressive disorders, and the significance of the endogenous/non-endogenous distinction is discussed.

Neuropsychological functions in systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparison with chronic whiplash patients

“…In a recent prospective study (Hay er af., 1994). it is suggested that cognitive impairment in SLE might result from coexisting psychiatric disorder, first of all depression, which is known to decrease speed, concentration and motivation (Willner, 1984). In our study, there was more emotional disturbance among the whiplash group as compared to the SLE group.…”

CREB, neurogenesis and depression

“…(30) The learned helplessness model relates to the cognitive theory of Beck predicting that susceptible indivuals react with depression-like behaviors due to stressors that they view as uncontrollable. (31,32) According to this concept, Seligman developed the animal model of learned helplessness. In this model, animals subjected to uncontrollable, unavoidable and unpredictable stressors show depression-like coping deficits in aversive situations in which ''normal/healthy'' individual are able to avoid or to terminate the stressor by an active coping strategy.…”

“…In this model, animals subjected to uncontrollable, unavoidable and unpredictable stressors show depression-like coping deficits in aversive situations in which ''normal/healthy'' individual are able to avoid or to terminate the stressor by an active coping strategy. (31,32) Learned helplessness is a widely recognized depression model in a variety of species (e.g. mice, rats, dogs) with a good face, construct (conceptual approach using uncontrollable stress) and predictive (reversible by pharmacological treatment) validity.…”

Depression Assessment and Management: Evaluating a Community‐Based Mental Health Training Program for Nurses

“…Current issues in classification were discussed, including an orientation to the Diagnostic and statistical manual-Revised (3rd ed.) (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1987; Andreason, 1984; Malt, 1983;Willner, 1984). Days 2 and 3 contained the criteria for assessing griefbereavement (Aguilera & Messick, 1986;Rawlins, 1988), major affective disorders (APA, 1987;Blazer, 1982;Shaw, Vallis, & McCabe, 1985;Weissman, 1987), and suicide (Far-berow, 1981;Hawton, 1986;Osgood, 1985;Pfeffer, 1986;Roy, 1986).…”