Attentional networks in euthymic patients with unipolar depression

Background: The 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 methods: We 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. Results: No differences between the groups in attentional networks were found and no relationship between attentional network's mid cognitive failures Was found. Limitations: One assessment during remission could be insufficient to recognize long-term pattern of cognitive functions. Conclusions: These data Show non-impaired attentional networks possibly explained by sufficient level of remission and ameliorated influence of high education on cognition. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.