Funciones ejecutivas en la depresión

Executive functions (EF) have been defined as all the cognitive processes needed to formulate, plan and execute a goal. EF were initially studied in traumatic brain injuries or central nervous system lesions. Recent research has shown that cognitive alterations (and, in particular, EF) are a central manifestation of mental disorders, including depression. Patients with response and even remission of depressive symptoms still have residual symptoms related to EF. The differences found in EF alterations are influenced by the severity of the depression, the clinical subtype, age, comorbidities and the distinct treatments. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of depression should give priority to these clinical and research findings.