Executive Functions in Depressed and Non-depressed Individuals

Executive functions deficits، especially in attention، is well documented in depressed individuals. In this regard، the aim of this study was investigating of executive functions in depression، with emphasis on sustain، selective and shifting attention، and comparing them with normal peer. This research is a cause-comparison and statistical community was all individuals that referred to a psychological clinic in Tehran. After screening by Beck inventory and unstructured interview based on DSM-IV، 30 depressed individuals (cut off point 21 and higher) selected by access sampling method. Then 30 normal persons were matched in sex، age، married status and education levels. Finally، Computer based tests of Stroop، Wiscansin cards sorting، and Continuum performance test were preformed in both groups. For matching and data analysis، MANOVA is used. Findings showed that selective and shifting attentions were significantly deferent between groups، but there was no difference in sustain attention. Findings of this research have important results about depression levels role in impairs of executive functions، especially sustain attention، and using therapies focused on executive deficits in depressed patients.