P-476 - Impaired working memory resources in euthymic patients affected by recurrent unipolar depression - 13/06/12

Doi : 10.1016/S0924-9338(12)74643-6

G. Sepede ¹, F. Gambi ¹, M.C. Di Filippo ¹, R. Giovannangelo ², G. Martinotti ¹, G. Di Iorio ¹, M. Onofrj ¹, R.M. Salerno ¹, M. Di Giannantonio ¹
¹ Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
² Department of Mental Health, National Health Trust, Ortona, Italy

Resumen

Introduction

Working memory deficits have yet been reported in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder and suggested to be trait markers of those disorders. A few data are reported for Recurrent Unipolar Depression.

Objectives and aims

Aim of the present study was to evaluate working memory resources in a group of euthymic unipolar subjects.

Methods

Fifteen outpatients (13 females) affected by Recurrent Unipolar Major Depression, were recruited by the Department of Mental Health of Ortona (Chieti), Italy, and compared to 15 age and gender matched healthy comparisons in terms of Working Memory resources.

Inclusion criteria were: a DSM IV diagnosis of Recurrent Major Depression and a condition of euthymia, defined as a Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) score < 8, for at least 8 weeks. Patients with a personal or familiar history of bipolar or schizophrenic disorders were excluded. Working Memory was assessed by means of a 3-level of difficulty N-back task.

Results

Patients showed a significant lower performance, with respect to normal comparisons, limited to the highest level of difficulty working memory task (graph.1).

Conclusions

In our group of unipolar subjects, working memory resources seemed to be reduced during euthymic periods, thus significantly affecting quality of life and social functioning.