Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the relationship between generality in retrieval from autobiographical memory in depressed patients and functional deficit in problem-solving strategies.

Method: This survey analyzed the findings of several previous studies that investigated the subject of retrieval from autobiographical memory and the process of problem-solving among four groups: Healthy (n=20), depressed without suicidal ideation (n=20), depressed with suicidal ideation (n=20), and depressed with suicidal attempt (n=20). In fact, investigating the specific details of the cognitive performance on the continuum of "healthy-depressed-suicidal ideator-suicidal attempter" can reveal a clear picture of the subject.

Results: Despite a significant difference between the performance of healthy and suicidal non-ideator groups on one hand, and the performance of suicidal ideator and suicide attempter groups on the other hand, this difference is minimal between the performance of suicidal ideators and suicidal attempters in retrieval from autobiographical memory and problem-solving strategies.

Conclusion: Increment in the level of hopelessness is directly associated with overgenerality in retrieval from autobiographical memory in response to desirable word-stimuli.