INFLUENCE OF DEPRESSION ON COGNITIVE-FUNCTIONING IN FRAGILE-X FEMALES

We sought to determine the frequency of a history of major depression in women with Fragile X syndrome. In addition, we attempted to disenta ngle the cognitive effects of major depression from those of Fragile X syndrome. Thirty-seven mothers of developmentally delayed children (F ragile X syndrome: n = 18; comparison group n = 19), matched for age, educational level, and socioeconomic status, were administered psychia tric and neuropsychological measures. Women with Fragile X syndrome ha d a higher frequency of lifetime diagnosis of major depressive disorde r (78%) than the comparison group (37%). Mild impairment was seen on v isuospatial construction and memory tasks in women with Fragile X synd rome, while women with depression showed subtle deficits in several as pects of visuospatial perception and learning. There was no interactio n of Fragile X syndrome and depression in their influence on cognition . The results underscore the importance of considering the influence o f depression on cognitive performance in studies of genetic disorders.