Relative memory deficits in recurrent versus first-episode major depression on a word-list learning task

Although memory deficits are associated with major depressive disorder, few studies have identified which patient characteristics predict impairment. Because recurrent depression appears related to more severe cerebral dysfun ction, the present study tested whether recurrent depressed individuals hav e worse memory function than first-episode depressed individuals. Two group s of young-adult, nonpsychotic, depressed inpatients (20 single episode [SE ] and 46 recurrent episode [RE]) were administered the California Verbal Le arning Test within a broader battery of neuropsychological tests. The group s were equivalent in age, education, estimated IQ, severity of depression, and demographic composition. The RE group demonstrated memory deficits rela tive to both the SE group and published norms, but no other significant dif ference was found across the battery. Data indicate that abnormal memory pe rformance is associated with recurrent depression, whereas memory deficits are not prominent in first-episode depressed individuals.