Depression-related Impairment in Executive Functioning is Primarily Associated with Fatigue and Anhedonia

Background: Depression is associated with reduced executive functioning. Still, we lack a more detailed understanding of the causes, nature, and mechanisms explaining this association. Addressing limitations in the previous literature, for example the “task impurity”-problem and depression heterogeneity, we examine whether poor executive functioning is related to specific depression symptoms using a network approach. Methods: The sample consisted of currently depressed, previously depressed, and never-depressed individuals (n = 290) demonstrating the full range of depression severity. Associations between poor executive functioning and nine depression symptoms were estimated using a regularized Gaussian graphical modelling. Results: Poor executive functioning was primarily associated with fatigue/energy loss and loss of interest/pleasure. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in light of research conceptualizing these symptoms as sickness-related behaviors, and in the context of motivational impairments. Immunological and stress responses are considered as potential mechanisms.