Cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder
Abstract
Purpose of review The principal aim of this review is to highlight recent advances in our understanding of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD). We review new assessment and treatment approaches, in which cognition and associated psychosocial dysfunction are considered primary outcomes. Recent findings Current work suggests that cognitive dysfunction reduces occupational productivity, and interferes broadly with domains of day-to-day and social functioning. These findings imply that cognitive dysfunction interacts with emotional and social factors relevant to MDD. Recent advances in screening instruments enable standardized detection of cognitive symptoms in MDD. Clinical trials suggest that cognitive symptoms are suitable targets and primary outcomes of psychological and pharmacological treatments. Summary A growing interest in cognitive dysfunction in MDD has improved our ability to assess and treat MDD. Future research will be strengthened by the use of consistent terminology, standardized cognitive screening, and treatments that target cognitive dysfunction in MDD. Integration of emotional and social treatment strategies may further advance clinical efficacy.
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Depressed people often have impaired cognition.
“depressed people often have impaired cognition [42–44].”
From APOE4 genotype exacerbates the depression-like behavior of mice during aging through ATP decline (2021) · cites this paper as [43]
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- Authors
- Knight, M. J., & Baune, B. T.
- Affiliations
- The University of Adelaide (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Baune, Bernhard T.
- Venue
- Current Opinion in Psychiatry
- Published
- 2018-01
- Volume
- 31
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 26-31
- ISSN
- 0951-7367 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2765671535
- Cited by
- 207
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 32 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1
- FWCI
- 1.46
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Current Opinion in Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Pfizer
- AstraZeneca Australia
- Servier
- H. Lundbeck A/S
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Keywords
- major depressive disorder, cognitive impairment, cognitive symptoms, cognitive screening, labor productivity, social functioning, psychosocial dysfunction, primary outcomes
- MeSH terms
- Cognition, Major Depressive Disorder, Emotions, Humans, Social Adjustment, Executive Function, Cognitive Dysfunction
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