Executive functions, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in school-aged children

Abstract

The relationship between executive dysfunction, depression, and suicidal ideation is documented in adults but remains understudied in children. The objective was to evaluate executive function (EF) performance and its relationship with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in school-aged children. Thirty primary school students aged 9 to 12 participated; they reported depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), while EFs were assessed using the Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes-2 (BANFE-2). Results revealed normal executive performance, with the exception of significant impairments in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal area, specifically in tasks requiring working memory (WM). Statistical associations were found between tasks involving WM and depressive symptomatology, suggesting that WM impairments may influence the onset and maintenance of childhood depression. It is concluded that WM deficit is a key component associated with depressive symptomatology in childhood. This highlights the need for longitudinal studies and for considering EFs in early intervention strategies.