Abstract

ROZENTHAL, Marcia; LAKS, Jerson  and  ENGELHARDT, Eliasz. Neuropsychological aspects of depression. Rev. psiquiatr. Rio Gd. Sul [online]. 2004, vol.26, n.2, pp.204-212. ISSN 0101-8108.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81082004000200010.

This study aims at reviewing the main neuropsychological findings in depression and the differences between the unipolar and bipolar forms, with or without psychosis, during the acute and intercritical phases. Moreover, the study intends to correlate the neuropsychological findings described in the literature with neuroanatomic and neurofunctional aspects, emphasizing frontal areas and their main circuits. Considering neuropsychological studies carried out in the field of affective disorders, some alterations have shown to be more consistent, with important dysfunctions in critical phases but also in asymptomatic patients. Of these, attentive and mnemic aspects, in addition to executive functioning, are of special interest. Studies of this nature have important therapeutical implications, suggesting the need for the development of other supporting therapeutical techniques, such as cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial interventions, making the treatment broader and more incisive.

Keywords : Neuropsychology; depression; frontal lobe.

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