ObjectivesFor a long time, cognitive deficits were considered as part of depressive episodes and were expected to improve as other affective symptoms diminished with treatment. Because of this, cognitive impairment was rarely assessed for Major depressive disorder, but in the present time this has changed.MethodsThe study included 35 patients (age between 18 and 70) diagnosed with recurrent major depressive disorder (according to ICD-10 and DSM-V) which were evaluated during an acute depressive episode. The severity of depression was quantified clinically and with the help of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale -17 items- whereas cognitive functions were evaluated with standard cognitive tests.ResultsOut of the 35 patients included, 25 were female patients, the rest of 10 being represented by male participants. A median score of 81,5 seconds on the Trail Making Test part A showed attention focusing deficits when compared with standard scores. For semantic fluency, ten words represented the mean score; whereas for phonemic fluency the mean score was lower (seven words). A median score of 5 words resulted from the assessment of the verbal learning and memory, these are considered to be associated with memorization and retention of a list of words given.ConclusionsThese results sustain what the majority of studies revealed, that cognitive deficits are present in all cognitive domains, mostly in attention, verbal fluency and memory.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
IntroductionImpairment in cognitive performance is an important characteristic in many psychiatric illnesses, such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Initially, cognitive dysfunctions were considered to be present only in acute depressive episodes and to improve after symptoms recovered. Reports have described persistent cognitive deficits even after significant improvement of depressive symptoms.Aims/ObjectivesWe wanted to understand the dimension of cognitive impairment in unipolar and bipolar depression and also to underline the differences between cognitive profiles of patients diagnosed within the two mentioned disorders.MethodThis review examined recent literature about unipolar and bipolar depression.ResultsBoth depressed patients presented cognitive deficits in several cognitive domains. Different aspects of attention were altered in both patients but impairment in shifting attention appeared specific to unipolar disorder while impaired sustained attention was particular for bipolar disorder. Both types of patients showed memory deficits that were associated with poor global functioning. Two recent studies described that bipolar depressed subjects were more impaired across all cognitive domains than unipolar depressed subjects on tests assessing verbal memory, verbal fluency, attention and executive functions. The most consistently deficits were displayed on measures of executive functioning – such as tasks requiring problem solving, planning, decision making – suggesting that this cognitive domain is a trait-marker for depression.ConclusionsCognitive deficits are present in both disorders during a depressive episode but they display slightly different patterns of impairment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Eating disorders, which are well known as a substantial mental health problem in society, have been reclassified as feeding and eating disorders in DSM-5 and also in the 11th revision of ICD. The new classification includes binge eating disorder and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), in addition to anorexia and bulimia nervosa. They are considered serious disorders, with high morbidity and mortality risks, that affect the young community in particular. Current research shows increases in all genders and age groups. Various genetic and biologic factors, an insecure personality type, impulsive traits, dysfunctional emotion regulation, and society's ideal of slimness have been found to play a role in the development of these disorders. A dual approach with focus on the symptom and the underlying problems is needed for all types of eating disorders throughout the psychotherapeutic interventions. Assessing comorbid psychiatric and medical symptoms is extremely important. Further research and new directions of treatment are needed with regard to the expanded classifications.
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