Cognitive aspects of chronic depression.
Previous research on chronic depression has focused on its link with other mood disorders and Axis II personality disorders. However, there are few data examining whether the cognitive perspective applies to this condition. In this cross-sectional study, 42 outpatients with chronic depression were compared with 27 outpatients with nonchronic major depressive disorder and 24 never psychiatrically ill controls on cognitive variables thought to be related to vulnerability to depression (e.g., dysfunctional attitudes, attributional style, a ruminative response style, and maladaptive core beliefs). Both depressed groups were more elevated than a never-ill comparison group. However, chronically depressed individuals were generally more elevated on measures of cognitive variables than those with major depressive disorders even after controlling for mood state and personality disorder symptoms.
Riso
Lawrence P
LP
Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303, USA. riso@gsu.edu
du Toit
P L
PL
Blandino
Jaime A
JA
Penna
Suzanne
S
Dacey
Sean
S
Duin
Jason S
JS
Pacoe
Elizabeth M
EM
Grant
Merida M
MM
Ulmer
Christi S
CS
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index