A pilot study of cognitive remediation in remitted major depressive disorder patients. Issue 2 (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hammar, Åsa; Semkovska, Maria; Borgen, Ida M. H.; Myklebost, Sunniva; Ronold, Eivind H.; Sveen, Thea; Ueland, Torill; Porter, Richard; Johnson, Sheri L.
• Is Part Of: Applied neuropsychology. Volume 29:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: Cognitive remediation therapy -- feasibility -- major depression -- pilot study -- remission -- working memory; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Brain -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neuropsychological Tests -- Periodicals; Adult; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2020.1726919
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-9095

Abstract

Abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with working memory (WM) impairments. These deficits often persist following remission and are associated with rumination, a recognized risk factor for depression relapse. The efficacy of WM-targeted cognitive remediation as a potential relapse prevention tool has not been investigated. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and cognitive benefits of a WM-targeted cognitive remediation program in remitted depression. Twenty-eight MDD participants in remission were recruited. The intervention consisted of twenty-five 30–40-minute training sessions, coupled with weekly coaching, administered over a 5-week period. Before and after the intervention, a battery of objective neuropsychological tests and self-report measures was administered. Key outcomes were WM, inhibition and rumination. Acceptability of the intervention was observed, with 83% showing high motivation, along with WM gains for all completers ( n = 18, 64% of recruited participants). The cognitive remediation selectively improved targeted WM functions, as measured by objective tests. This did not translate into self-reported improvements in everyday WM or inhibition. However, all but one completer achieved at least one personal goal related to WM and 44% achieved two or, the maximum possible, three such goals. For remitters whose WM was significantly enhanced after the intervention, the cognitive remediation also decreased dysphoric-mood related rumination. The successful pilot testing of the WM-targeted intervention supports the conduct of a fully powered randomized controlled trial as a relapse prevention approach in remitted MDD.