Verbal memory functions in unipolar major depression with and without co-morbid anxiety

Clin Neuropsychol. 2011 Apr;25(3):359-75. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2010.547518. Epub 2011 Mar 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine both executive control of verbal working memory and verbal learning as well as long-term storage function in outpatients with major depressive disorder (n = 61) compared to healthy controls (n = 92). A total of 37 patients had no co-morbid anxiety disorder, whereas 24 had a co-morbid anxiety disorder. Both patient groups showed impaired working memory test performance compared to healthy controls. Patients with co-morbid depression and anxiety disorder performed significantly below the depression group. Only patients with depression and co-morbid anxiety displayed deficient long-term memory function compared to healthy controls. The present results show impairments in various memory functions in patients presenting depression and depression with co-morbid anxiety disorder.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Long-Term*
  • Memory, Short-Term*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Outpatients
  • Verbal Learning*
  • Young Adult