Prefrontal cortical dysfunction in depression determined by Wisconsin CardSorting Test performance

Objective: Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated reduced prefrontal cortic al blood flow and metabolism in depression, but the neurobehavioral signifi cance of these observations is not yet established. Method: The Wisconsin C ard Sorting Test, a widely used neuropsychological index of prefrontal cort ical function, was administered to 79 patients with major depression who ha d been unmedicated for at least 28 days, to 47 patients with schizophrenia who had never received antipsychotic medication, and to 61 healthy comparis on subjects. Results: Depressed patients demonstrated significant deficits on multiple Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measures compared with healthy indi viduals. These deficits were correlated with the severity of depression and were less severe than those demonstrated by patients with schizophrenia. C onclusions: These results provide neuropsychological evidence for significa nt prefrontal cortical dysfunction in depression.