Executive dysfunction in major depressive disorder.
Executive dysfunction is commonly seen in major depression. The types of executive deficits seen in depression include problems with planning, initiating and completing goal-directed activities. Executive dysfunction may vary as a function of the severity of depression. In addition, a subset of geriatric depression is also characterized by prominent deficits in executive functioning. The presence of executive dysfunction in depression is associated with vocational disability and possibly poorer treatment response. While few studies have examined the treatment of executive dysfunction in depression, preliminary work suggests that both pharmacologic interventions and psychosocial interventions such as problem solving therapy may be efficacious.
DeBattista
Charles
C
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. debattista@stanford.edu
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D000077408:Modafinil; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil