Evaluating Cognitive Performance of Executive Control Based on Evidence from Attention Network Test and Event-Related Potential in Individuals with Mild Depressive Disorder and Burnout

One of the secondary consequences of burnout is a significant reduction in cognitive functions, the most obvious and important of which is the cognitive function of attention and control, which can play a vital role in efficiency and prevention of errors at work in many occupations. On the other hand, a neurological examination is needed to understand better the relationship between burnout and its consequent depressive disorder regarding the cognitive function of the attention network of these individuals. Depressed people usually have neuropsychological disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the cognitive performance of executive control of health care workers with shift jobs on the verge of burnout using the Attention Network Test (ANT) Event-Related Potential (ERP).

The sample included 26 health care providers on the verge of burnout in Rasoul Akram Hospital in Tehran (15 without depression and 11 with mild to moderate depression) selected by purposive sampling. The rate of burnout was assessed by the Maslach Scales (1981); depression was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); attention was assessed by the Network Attention Test (ANT) and simultaneously with the behavioral test. We investigated the event-related potential (ERP) indicators of attention processing. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used for data analysis.

The results of behavioral performance revealed no significant difference between the two groups in the three attention networks; however, Significant differences can be seen in ERP brain waves related to the executive function of attention, especially by increasing the SP wave and N2 wave component compared to normal individuals without depression

: Significant differences can be seen in ERP brain waves related to the executive function of attention, especially by increasing the SP wave and N2 wave component compared to normal individuals without depression. According to the study results, it can be stated that to improve cognitive performance in people's work environments, measures should be taken to reduce burnout and depression, and employees should perform their activities with better performance and help the quality growth of the work environment.