The effects of major depressive disorder on cognition and the brain

Author

Ashlee Stewart, Purchase College, State University of New YorkFollow
Lauren L. Harburger, Purchase College, State University of New YorkFollow

Periodical Title

Modern Psychological Studies

Volume

26

Number

1

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Major depressive disorder is commonly known for its prevalence and impairing effects on the brain and behavior. One such effect is a decrease in processing speed, which leads to slower response times and an increased difficulty performing tasks that require careful attention. Impairments in spatial ability have also been reported in depressed subjects, which may be linked to impairments in executive functioning. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to play a role in the symptoms of depression. This review will examine the effects of depression on cognitive functioning and the brain, and will suggest that future research examine the link between low concentrations of GABA in the brain and performance on cognitive tasks in depressed patients.

Keyword

Major Depressive Disorder; Cognitive Functioning; Psychopathology; Neurotransmitters; GABA

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Ashlee and Harburger, Lauren L. (2021) "The effects of major depressive disorder on cognition and the brain," Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 26: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol26/iss1/5