Relationship between residual symptoms of depression and self-reported cognitive impairment.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to investigate the associations between residual symptoms of depression and specific self-reported symptoms in several cognitive domains.


METHODS
The study investigated 117 patients with partially or fully remitted major depressive disorder (MDD) after treatment with antidepressant medications.


RESULTS
Fatigue was significantly associated with inability to focus, alertness, and feeling "blue"; low interest and difficulty with concentration were associated with apathy. No associations were found between deficits in the cognitive domains considered and residual symptoms such as self-blaming, feeling worthless, feeling hopeless, having suicidal thoughts, difficulty with sleep, and lack of appetite.


CONCLUSIONS
Among MDD remitted patients endorsing residual symptoms such as fatigue and feeling "blue", deficits in a range of cognitive domains should be carefully assessed and treated.
Pedrelli
Paola
P
Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA. ppedrelli@partners.org
Baer
Lee
L
Losifescu
Dan V
DV
Fava
Maurizio
M
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents