Dataset Information

Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Subjective cognitive difficulties are common in mental illness and have a negative impact on role functioning. Little is understood about subjective cognition and the longitudinal relationship with depression and anxiety symptoms in young people.

Aims

To examine the relationship between changes in levels of depression and anxiety and changes in subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months in help-seeking youth.

Method

This was a cohort study of 656 youth aged 12-25 years attending Australian headspace primary mental health services. Subjective changes in cognitive functioning (rated as better, same, worse) reported after 3 months of treatment was assessed using the Neuropsychological Symptom Self-Report. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of baseline levels of and changes in depression (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ9) and anxiety symptoms (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale; GAD7) on changes in subjective cognitive function at follow-up while controlling for covariates.

Results

With a one-point reduction in PHQ9 at follow-up, there was an estimated 11-18% increase in ratings of better subjective cognitive functioning at follow-up, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A one-point increase in PHQ9 from baseline to follow-up was associated with 7-14% increase in ratings of worse subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months, relative to stable cognitive functioning. A similar attenuated pattern of findings was observed for the GAD7.

Conclusions

A clear association exists between subjective cognitive functioning outcomes and changes in self-reported severity of affective symptoms in young people over the first 3 months of treatment. Understanding the timing and mechanisms of these associations is needed to tailor treatment.

SUBMITTER: Allott K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7453798 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment.

Allott Kelly K Gao Caroline C Hetrick Sarah E SE Filia Kate M KM Menssink Jana M JM Fisher Caroline C Hickie Ian B IB Herrman Helen E HE Rickwood Debra J DJ Parker Alexandra G AG Mcgorry Patrick D PD Cotton Sue M SM

BJPsych open 20200805 5

<h4>Background</h4>Subjective cognitive difficulties are common in mental illness and have a negative impact on role functioning. Little is understood about subjective cognition and the longitudinal relationship with depression and anxiety symptoms in young people.<h4>Aims</h4>To examine the relationship between changes in levels of depression and anxiety and changes in subjective cognitive functioning over 3 months in help-seeking youth.<h4>Method</h4>This was a cohort study of 656 youth aged 1 ...[more]

PMID: 32753079

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Research suggests that young people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience neurocognitive deficits and that these are associated with poorer functional and clinical outcomes. However, we are yet to understand how young people experience such difficulties. The aim of the current study was to explore the subjective experiences of neurocognitive functioning among young people with MDD. METHODS:Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 young people (aged 17-24 years) attending a specialist clinic for youth experiencing moderate-severe depression. Interview transcripts were analysed via Thematic Analysis to identify patterns and themes representing how young people with MDD subjectively experience neurocognitive deficits. RESULTS:Five main themes were identified: (1) experience of neurocognitive complaints; (2) relationship between neurocognitive complaints and depression; (3) impact on functioning; (4) strategies and supports; and (5) neurocognitive complaints and treatment. Overall, young people with MDD commonly experienced a range of subjective neurocognitive complaints. These appeared to have a bidirectional relationship with depressive symptomatology and significantly disrupted vocational, social and independent functioning, and aspects of psychological well-being including self-esteem. Neurocognitive difficulties represented an experiential barrier to psychological therapeutic engagement and were perceived as variably responsive to psychotropic medications, highlighting the need for targeted intervention. DISCUSSION:Neurocognitive difficulties are a common and pervasive experience for young people with MDD, with perceived impacts on depressive symptoms, attitudinal beliefs, everyday functioning and therapeutic engagement. Subjective neurocognitive complaints may therefore contribute to or exacerbate personal challenges faced by young people with MDD and thus, require early identification, consideration in psychological formulation, and treatment. Further research into the mechanisms of neurocognitive impairment in MDD is also needed.

Dataset Information

Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment.

Background

Aims

Method

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Subjective cognitive functioning in relation to changes in levels of depression and anxiety in youth over 3 months of treatment.

Similar Datasets

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