Does Depression Affect Cognitive Changes in Psychotherapy?
Author Information
Author(s): Emily Post, Teresa Walker, Matthew Schurr, Brenna Renn
Primary Institution: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Hypothesis
Does depression severity mediate the relationship between psychotherapy treatment and cognitive test score changes?
Conclusion
The study found that changes in depression did not mediate cognitive performance improvements in patients receiving psychotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved a secondary analysis of data from older adults with major depressive disorder.
- Participants underwent two 9-week structured psychotherapies for depression.
- Cognitive tests included the Iowa Gambling Money Task, Digit Span Backwards, and Stroop test.
- The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess changes in depression symptoms.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether getting better from depression helps people think better after therapy, but it found that getting better from depression doesn't always mean better thinking skills.
Methodology
The study used data from a randomized controlled trial comparing two types of psychotherapy for depression, analyzing cognitive test scores before and after treatment.
Limitations
The findings may not apply to more cognitively impaired individuals, as the sample consisted of older adults with major depressive disorder.
Participant Demographics
Older adults with major depressive disorder, mean age 70.2 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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