Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Using a Computer Program in Patients with Depression in Remission

Abstract

The patient with depressive disorder presents a cognitive impairment which does not disappear despite the fact that the depression is considered to be in remission. This study aims to assess the impact of training in the improvement of cognitive functions of patients with remitted depression (RD). Captain’s Log Computerized Cognitive-Training Program (CLCT) was used as a cognitive trainer in a group of patients with RD and with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) as treatment; another group with RD was treated uniquely with SSRI. The treatment intervention’s impact was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), and the Integrated Program of Neuropsychological Examination-Revised Barcelona Test. CLCT was used in college students with RD, twice a week, for six months. Patients from both groups decreased depressive and anxious symptoms, however, patients who received CLCT substantially increased their intellectual performance; changes in the psychometric analysis of the Barcelona Test were consistent with the ones presented in WAIS-III. CLCT application is associated with an improvement of cognitive functions in patients with RD.