Recurrent Depression and Cognitive Functioning: An Analysis of Relationships

Abstract

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the considerable representations of recurrent depression that become more prominent with illness progression. This review aimed to gather and analyze
contemporary findings on the interaction between cognitive dysfunction and recurrent depression. The core mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in depression is thought to be the disturbance
of functioning and connectivity in the certain brain networks and structures due to geneOenvironment interaction and pathological mechanisms of recurrent depression. These disturbances
are translated into cognitive and emotional biases and diminished information processing ability. Antidepressants have the potential to ameliorate cognitive and emotional biases in the
shortOterm but differ by their effect on the more stable disturbances. Differences may reflect distinct binding profiles and potential to induce longOterm neuroplastic changes. Combination
of pharmacological and psychological treatment may provide additional benefits in the amelioration of cognitive dysfunction.