Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with both self-reported (subjective) cognitive complaints and deficits in neurocognitive (objective) measures, but the correspondence between subjective and objective measures of cognition is low. This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) assess the association between subjective and objective measures of executive functions (EFs), and (2) explore factors associated with the discrepancy between subjective and objective EFs in MDD. Sixty-two participants with current or previous mild to moderate MDD and subjective EF complaints completed a clinical trial baseline assessment. An objective EF composite score was drawn from six neurocognitive measures, while the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version was applied as a measure of subjective EF. The association between the subjective and objective composites was evaluated using Spearman’s rank order correlation. A discrepancy score was calculated to quantify the difference between subjective and objective EF. Factors associated with the discrepancy score were analyzed using regression analysis (p < .05). Participants reported extensive EF difficulties, but most performed in the normal range on objective EF measures. A weak correlation was detected between the subjective and objective measures (r_s = .015). More rumination (β = −.364) and higher IQ (β = −.420) were associated with reporting more subjective complaints than was evident from objective measures of EF (i.e., underestimation). Subjective and objective EF measures are weakly overlapping in MDD. Findings underscore recommendations to include both subjective and objective measures when assessing EFs in depression. In addition, findings suggest that targeting ruminative processes could help correct underestimation.

摘要

重度抑郁症 (MDD) 与自我报告的（主观）认知抱怨和神经认知（客观）测量缺陷相关，但主观和客观认知测量之间的对应性较低。这项横断面研究旨在 (1) 评估执行功能 (EF) 的主观和客观测量之间的关联，以及 (2) 探索与 MDD 主观和客观 EF 之间的差异相关的因素。62 名当前或之前患有轻度至中度 MDD 和主观 EF 症状的参与者完成了临床试验基线评估。客观 EF 综合评分是从六项神经认知测量中得出的，而执行功能行为评定量表-成人版则用作主观 EF 的测量。使用 Spearman 的排序相关性评估主观和客观复合材料之间的关联。计算差异分数来量化主观和客观 EF 之间的差异。使用回归分析 ( p < .05)分析与差异评分相关的因素。参与者报告了广泛的 EF 困难，但大多数在客观 EF 测量中表现在正常范围内。主观测量和客观测量之间存在弱相关性 ( r _s = .015)。更多的沉思（β = -.364）和更高的智商（β = -.420）与报告更多的主观抱怨相关，而不是从 EF 的客观测量中明显看出（即低估）。MDD 中的主观和客观 EF 测量有轻微重叠。研究结果强调了在评估抑郁症 EF 时应包括主观和客观测量的建议。此外，研究结果表明，针对反省过程可能有助于纠正低估。