Research on Cognitive Function in Anxious Depression Patients in China

Background: This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function in patients with anxious depression. Methods: This was a part of the “Objective Diagnostic Indicators and Individualized Drug Intervention of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)” study. All participants, including patients with MDD and healthy controls (HCs), completed the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Anxious depression was defined as a HAMD17 anxiety/somatization factor score ≥7. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and at the end of week 8. HC cognitive function was assessed at baseline. Results: A total of 1048 people were included in the analysis, including 328 patients in the anxious depression group (G1=328), 221 patients in the MDD without anxious depression group (G2=221), and 499 in the HC group (G3=499). There were significant differences in the HAMA at baseline (t=13.050, p Conclusions: Patients with anxious depression have more severe depressive symptoms but better cognitive function, especially for verbal learning, compared with nonanxious depression patients. After the acute treatment phase, executive function and attention/vigilance in anxious depression patients may be remitted.