The effects of major depressive disorder symptoms on audiovisual integration

ABSTRACT

Previous research suggests that major depressive disorder may impact perceptual processes; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of major depressive disorder symptoms on an individual’s ability to appropriately synchronise visual and auditory stimuli (audiovisual integration capacity). The current research hypothesised that there was a relationship between the two variables, and that individuals with more severe depression symptoms were more likely to have a local precedence bias for visual stimuli. Participants were required to complete two self-report questionnaires that assessed the presence and severity of depressive symptomatology (the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Participants also completed the Navon task, to assess whether individuals rating higher in depressive symptoms were more likely to focus on small details versus the bigger picture. Finally, we tested individual capacity for integrating sights and sounds. Correlational analyses showed no significant relationships between the subclinical symptoms of major depressive disorder (in a non-diagnosed population) and audiovisual integration were found. There also appeared to be a very weak, but non significant correlation between local precedence and severity of symptoms. These findings provide an initial investigation into depression and perceptual processes like audiovisual integration.

KEYWORDS:

• Audiovisual integration
• perception
• major depressive disorder

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).