Increased memory accuracy of previous mood states in depressed patients in daily life

Abstract Depression is characterized by a loss of positive and pronounced negative memory bias, which persists after remission. While theoretical accounts of depressive realism, emotional inertia, and mood-congruency substantiate the compelling evidence of weak positive memory in depression, they cannot fully explain negative memory bias in depression. We used Ecologically Momentary Assessments (EMA) of memory bias to provide insight into the accuracy and depression status-dependency of recall of previous positive and negative mood states. Currently- (n = 46), remitted- (n = 90), and never-depressed individuals (n = 55) provided positive mood and negative mood ratings (7x/day for six days), while also recalling their recent (i.e., previous prompt; 3x/day) or distal (i.e., one day lag; 1x/day) mood states. Currently depressed individuals displayed most accuracy and hence least bias in recall of both positive and negative mood; with accuracy in currently and remitted depressed individuals being independent of their current mood state. Conversely, mood at the time of recall significantly related to memory accuracy among never-depressed individuals with more negative mood, resulting in a depressotypic memory bias. Results are consistent with depressive realism and mood-congruency accounts, as well as with evidence for loss of positive memory bias (but not for negative memory bias) in depression.