Cognitive dimensions of Major Depressive Disorder : clinical implications, assessment, and treatment

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by impaired affect, cognitive dysfunction, and significant psychosocial impairment that persists from weeks to years (figure 1.1). Cognitive symptoms are pervasive, affecting functioning in a number of domains including reduced executive functioning, attention, memory, learning, psychomotor speed, and verbal processing. Recent evidence suggests that cognitive dysfunction persists following symptomatic remission, highlighting the need to treat cognition separately from mood symptoms. Residual cognitive deficits may contribute to ongoing occupational and social dysfunction and promote suicide ideation. In addition, retention of cognitive impairment may interact with existing emotional and social vulnerability, increasing the risk of recurrent depressive episodes.