Autobiographical memory dysfunctions in depressive disorders

Abstract

Autobiographical memory (AM) is a ubiquitous human experience that belongs to long-term declarative memory. It plays interpersonal and intrapsychic functions. The main aim of this study is to present results of contemporary research on AM in recurrent depressive disorders. The available research literature suggests that AM dysfunctions are a precursor and risk factor for recurrent depressive disorders and that they also appear to be a consequence of depressive symptoms in a bidirectional and interacting manner. These data suggest that AM might be a viable therapeutic target for cognitive remediation strategies, given the impact of cognition on diverse clinical outcomes.

Autobiographical memory in depression's pathology and treatment

“…But several much more common conditions may also involve alterations in autobiographical memory including post-traumatic stress disorder, 2 Alzheimer's disease, 3 bulimia nervosa, 4 schizophrenia, 2 chronic pain 2 and, as discussed in this article, depression. 2 Autobiographical memory's importance Autobiographical memory is an example of long-term declarative memory 2 -the form of memory that stores facts, ideas and events that we consciously recall as verbal propositions or visual images. 1 Declarative memory includes alsemantic (knowledge of objects, concepts and facts) and episodic recall, which covers spatial landmarks and temporal milestones.…”

“…Depressed patients generally recollect overgeneral rather than specific memories. 2 So, when asked to recall a specific happy event, a depressed person is more likely to say 'last year's holiday in Dorset' rather than 'my wedding'. Depressed people even experience difficulties recalling specific details of personally significant events.…”

“…Autobiographical memory also stabilises self-identity, and helps us plan, actualise schemes and solve problems by recalling similar events. 2 In the short-term, psychiatrically healthy people are more likely to recall pleasant than unpleasant autobiographical memories. This propensity for the pleasant declines over time.…”

“…5 Episodic tends to dominate semantic recall in autobiographical memory. 2 Most people can recall little before the age of three or four years. Most first autobiographical memories recall frightening or painful experiences, such as being left alone, getting lost, an operation or a fall.…”

“…Depressed people even experience difficulties recalling specific details of personally significant events. 2 For instance, a meta-analysis identified 22 studies encompassing 626 patients and 517 controls assessing autobiographical memory in people with depression. Patients with depressive disorders reported less specific and more overgeneralised autobiographical memories, and recalled more slowly following a cue from the researcher.…”