1. Abstract
This research focused on mapping of the neuropsychological profile of
patients with Chronic Depression, which includes elements of
chronicity, personality disorders and double depression. They identified
deficits in tests examining the control of impulsivity and inhibition of
established reactions. The goal of the research was to capture the
neuropsychological profile of this clinical module comparing a group of
patients with healthy controls. Given the personality deficits in these
patients, the comparison with a matched control group would show
differences in executive functions, namely the ability to inhibit
entrenched behaviors and, by extension, in shaping behavioral
strategies. However, the survey captured equal performance of the two
groups in basic cognitive tests including learning, memory and selective
attention. Two groups of participants, each included 11 women with a
long-lasting depression referred for treatment regimens while receiving
drug therapy. The control group consisted of 11 female volunteers who
were equated with the clinical team regarding their demographic
characteristics. The results of the neuropsychological tests involving
memory, learning and attention, showed comparable performance
between the two groups. However, in tests examining the impulsivity
and inhibition, the clinical group scored lower performance compared
to the control group. In conclusion, we found that deficits identified in
the clinical group concerns these cognitive functions, which indeed
appears to be disabled if the basic cognitive function (attention,
memory and learning) remains unaffected. This picture is consistent
with the clinical profile of patients (personality elements)