Neuropsychological prediction of recovery in late-onset major depression

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Objectives To assess antidepressant response in late-onset major depression in relation to neuropsychological domains: attention, memory and planning. Methods A neuropsychological battery was administered in 30 medication-free patients with late-onset major depression, who were then included in a 12-week antidepressant treatment regimen within a 12-month follow-up period. Logistic regression was used to define a predictive model of recovery. Results Eighteen patients were classed as remitters and seven as non-remitters. The ‘indexrem’ refers to the results of a logistic regression from verbal learning and planning and had a global predictive power of 84%. Conclusions Our study suggests that the balance between verbal learning (memory) and planning (executive function)—both related to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—could predicts recovery. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.