Cognition as predictor of current and follow-up depressive symptoms in the general population.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have reported an association between depression and poor cognitive functioning. Unknown is to what degree such associations are merely state-related or reflect an enduring depression vulnerability. This study examined whether cognitive deficits predict current and/or follow-up (sub)clinical depressive symptoms in the general population.


METHODS
A population-based sample of 569 female twins and 43 of their sisters completed a neuropsychological battery. Cross-sectional and prospective associations between depressive symptoms measured at the subclinical [Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90)] and clinical level (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders) and neuropsychological factors (episodic memory and information processing speed) were examined.


RESULTS
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders baseline depressive symptoms were significantly associated with information processing speed but not with episodic memory. Episodic memory was significantly associated with follow-up SCL-90 depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Being depressed is accompanied by slower information processing. Poor memory functioning may be a predictor for the onset of subclinical depressive symptoms.
Simons
C J P
CJ
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Jacobs
N
N
Derom
C
C
Thiery
E
E
Jolles
J
J
van Os
J
J
Krabbendam
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult