The Association between Mood, Inhibitory Control and Depressive Symptoms: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Introduction Cognitive models of depression highlight the role inhibitory control - cognitive ability which supports our goal directed behavior – as key and even causal feature disorder. According to these models, deficits in prevent exclusion irrelevant negative information, leading rumination sustained mood result depressive episodes. However, scientific evidence linking is thus far mixed. Moreover, although one’s may fluctuate, it often assessed using a single-time measurement lab. Objectives Here we aimed assess association between intra-individual fluctuations measured ecological settings, daily states, symptoms. Methods N=106 participants (Mean age: 38 ± 10 years; range: 19-62 68% female) reported their symptoms (using PHQ-9 scale) completed mobile version Go-NoGo inhibition task at baseline. They then 5-day ecological-momentary-assessment (EMA) protocol, they current IMS-12 performed shortened twice/day application. Depressive were again following EMA. Hierarchical-linear-modeling (HLM) was applied examine momentary IC mood, with post-EMA moderator. Inhibitory included time-varying predictor for 1 st step, interaction 2 nd step. Results At baseline, there no correlations ( r p = .035, n.s). individuals elevated demonstrated worse more variable performance over time .29, .002), captured EMA measures. In addition, also end period .27, .006). Finally, moderated such that reduced associated only those lower, but not higher, (Figure 1). Image: Conclusions Variable, rather than mere related modulating differs non-depressed vs. depressed individuals. These findings contribute understanding real life help account some discrepant depression. Future investigations should validity outcomes other, clinical samples. Disclosure Interest None Declared