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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

Alertness and visuospatial attention in clinical depression

Authors: Lisa Schock, Michael Schwenzer, Walter Sturm, Klaus Mathiak

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Cognitive deficits are a substantial burden in clinical depression. The present study considered dysfunction in the right-hemispheric attention network in depression, examining alertness and visuospatial attention.

Methods

Three computerized visuospatial attention tests and an alertness test were administered to 16 depressive patients and 16 matched healthy controls.

Results

Although no significant group effect was observed, alertness predicted reduced visuospatial performance in the left hemifield. Furthermore, sad mood showed a trend towards predicting left visual field omissions.

Conclusions

Decreased alertness may lead to lower left hemifield visuospatial attention; this mechanism may be responsible for a spatial bias to the right side in depression, even though treatment of depression and anxiety may reduce this cognitive deficit.
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Metadata
Title
Alertness and visuospatial attention in clinical depression
Authors
Lisa Schock
Michael Schwenzer
Walter Sturm
Klaus Mathiak
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-78

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