Attentional networks in euthymic patients with unipolar depression

BackgroundThe capacity to focus and concentrate or to direct attention supports many aspects of cognitive functioning including short-term memory and higher-level cognitive functions. The purpose was to assess attentional networks in euthymic patients with unipolar depression using the Attentional Network Test (ANT).Materials and methodsWe investigated performance of attention by virtue of ANT during remission from unipolar depressive disorder and tested a hypothesis that there are no differences between outpatient group (euthymic patients, N = 32) and matched controls in attentional variables, the relationship of attentional networks and everyday cognitive failures.ResultsNo differences between the groups in attentional networks were found and no relationship between attentional networks and cognitive failures was found.LimitationsOne assessment during remission could be insufficient to recognize long-term pattern of cognitive functions.ConclusionsThese data show non-impaired attentional networks possibly explained by sufficient level of remission and ameliorated influence of high education on cognition.