Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Executive Functioning in Depression

Abstract

When considering psychological treatments for depression, a therapist needs to be aware of some of the wider cognitive and neuropsychological difficulties experienced by his or her patient in order to tailor therapy appropriately. The depressed person may display rigid and concrete thinking, attentional problems, a tendency to bias information negatively, and experience memory difficulties. In cognitive psychology or neuropsychological terms, many of the outlined difficulties are linked to deficits in executive functioning. Executive abilities are associated with frontal lobe processes and are concerned with problem-solving, motivational, self-regulatory abilities, and interpersonal skills. This article examines the role of executive deficits in depression and suggests ways in which therapy may be adapted to accommodate for these problems.