Differences in anticipation capacity in depressive and mixed anxiety–depressive disorders

BACKGROUND: Anticipation capacity is a significant factor of successful adaptation. The role of anticipation impairment in various mental disorders, including neurotic disorders and schizophrenia, is shown. Nevertheless, the study of anticipation impairment in relation to depressive disorders is still relevant. The results may contribute to the development of future psychocorrection programs for depression. AIM: To compare the special aspects of anticipation capacity in depressive and mixed anxiety-depressive disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size was 336 subjects divided into a control group ( n =132), and two groups of F32–33 ( n =109) and F41.2 ( n =95) patients. Experimental psychological testing was conducted using the Mendelevich’s Anticipation Capacity Test, Regush’s Prediction Ability Method, and Beck’s Depression Inventory. Results are processed by comparing patient groups with the control group and each other and investigating the relationship of anticipation capacity and the severity of symptoms. RESULTS: The study showed significant differences between the control group and patient groups. No differences are found between patient groups. Anticipation capacity in patients was lower than in the control group. Correlation analysis showed no relationship of the severity of depression symptoms and anticipation capacity. Stepwise regression shows the significance of belonging to a group of patients as a covariate of anticipation capacity. CONCLUSION: The study shows that depressive disorders are similar to other neurotic diseases in terms of decreased prognostic abilities. The obtained data may be used to substantiate the long-term benefits of anticipation incapacity correction in depressive and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder cases.