Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Moderating Executive Functions in the Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression Symptoms and Response to Drug Therapy

Document Type : Original Articles

Author

malahat amani

Department of psychology, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/jrsr.2021.88828.1116
Abstract
Background: Poor executive functions are potentially risky for psychopathology
and can reduce response to treatment. This study aimed to investigate the
moderating role of executive functions in the relationship between anxiety and
depression symptoms and response to drug therapy.
Methods: The correlation method was used in this study. The statistical
population was adult outpatients with anxiety disorders and depression who
referred to psychiatric clinics of Bojnourd city. One hundred and sixty-four
participants completed the Outcome Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory,
and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function.
Results: The findings showed that problems of executive functions and anxiety
and depression symptoms predicted weak response to treatment (p <0.0001).
The results of moderating regression analysis showed that problems of executive
functions significantly moderate the relationship of anxiety symptoms and
response to treatment (p <0.0001), while they do not significantly moderate the
relationship between depression symptoms and response to treatment (P>0.05).
The results further showed that a longer course of disease and the comorbidity of
depression and anxiety reduce the response to treatment (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Poor performance in executive functions, a longer course of
disease, and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression disorders can reduce the
response to treatment in patients.

Keywords

Executive functions Treatment outcome Anxiety Depression
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Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research
Volume 8, Issue 4
December 2021
Pages 198-203

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