“People who have already had two or more depressive episodes perform unusually slow common cognitive tasks which require attention, concentration and speed, among other things.” These are the conclusions of a study that Inserm researchers have just published in the scientific journal European Neuropsychopharmacology.
This study, led by Prof. Philip Gorwood, of the Center for Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Hôpital Sainte-Anne (Paris), is the first which manages to show the “neurotoxic” effects of depression so simply. It also supports the daily observations of doctors and the conclusions of previous epidemiological studies, namely that the Depression is a disease that gets worse over time.
“In addition, this study could also provide a possible explanation for this vicious circle: the more I have experienced depressive episodes, the more I risk relapsing. If the speed and efficiency are more and more impaired over time. relapses, it is understandable that it is more difficult to adapt to new situations “explains the doctor.
5 times more time to do a simple test
For this study, the researchers assessed the cognitive abilities of 2,000 patients who experienced between 1 and 5 episodes of depression during their lifetime. They measured how quickly they performed a simple test that consisted of connecting numbered and out of order circles on a piece of paper. This test was performed twice: once during depression and a second time when patients were in remission.
“Right after a first depression, the time needed to perform this test is 35 seconds. Ditto after the second episode. But in people who have already experienced 2.3 or more depressive episodes, this time lengthens considerably and passes from 35 to 80 seconds, including in people who have recovered “adds the doctor.
For Inserm researchers, these alterations in cognitive abilities could be considered as an argument in favor of “cognitive remediation” therapy, widely used for treat schizophrenia or addictions, but little used to remedy the disorders caused by depression.
