Influence of depression on cognitive functioning in Fragile X females.
We sought to determine the frequency of a history of major depression in women with Fragile X syndrome. In addition, we attempted to disentangle the cognitive effects of major depression from those of Fragile X syndrome. Thirty-seven mothers of developmentally delayed children (Fragile X syndrome: n = 18; comparison group n = 19), matched for age, educational level, and socioeconomic status, were administered psychiatric and neuropsychological measures. Women with Fragile X syndrome had a higher frequency of lifetime diagnosis of major depressive disorder (78%) than the comparison group (37%). Mild impairment was seen on visuospatial construction and memory tasks in women with Fragile X syndrome, while women with depression showed subtle deficits in several aspects of visuospatial perception and learning. There was no interaction of Fragile X syndrome and depression in their influence on cognition. The results underscore the importance of considering the influence of depression on cognitive performance in studies of genetic disorders.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78284-7792, USA.
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NM
Thompson
G A
GA
Rogeness
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E
McClure
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R
Clayton
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C
Johnson
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012737:Sex Factors