The neural network basis for abnormalities of attention and executive function in major depressive disorder: implications for application of the medical disease model to psychiatric disorders

William E Ottowitz; Darin D Dougherty; Cary R Savage

doi:10.1080/10673220216210

The neural network basis for abnormalities of attention and executive function in major depressive disorder: implications for application of the medical disease model to psychiatric disorders

Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2002 Mar-Apr;10(2):86-99. doi: 10.1080/10673220216210.

Authors

William E Ottowitz¹, Darin D Dougherty, Cary R Savage

Affiliation

¹ Psychiatric Neuroscience Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass 02129, USA. ottowitz@psych.mgh.harvard.edu

PMID: 11897749
DOI: 10.1080/10673220216210

Abstract

The deficits in attention and executive function characteristic of major depressive disorder (MDD) are reviewed. The networks underlying attention and executive function, the neuropsychological tests commonly used to evaluate these domains, and the neuroanatomy of MDD are also discussed. A neural network approach to the attentional and executive function deficits of MDD has ramifications for hypothesis-guided research, the cognitive model of depression, and application of the medical disease model to psychiatric disorders.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Attention / physiology*
Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
Depressive Disorder, Major / physiopathology*
Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
Diagnostic Imaging
Humans
Nerve Net / physiopathology*
Neuropsychological Tests
Problem Solving / physiology*