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.
Thompson
N M
NM
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78284-7792, USA.
Rogeness
G A
GA
McClure
E
E
Clayton
R
R
Johnson
C
C
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