Comparison of Executive Functions and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Patients with Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders

The present study aimed to comparing executive functions and cognitive emotion regulation in patients with depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. This study is of a causal comparative type and has a descriptive research method. The statistical population included all individuals aged 23 to 35 years with depressive and anxiety disorders who referred to neuropsychiatric hospitals and psychology clinics in Tehran in 2024 to 2025. Sampling was carried out using a purposive non-random method and 200 participants were selected. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (1996), Anxiety Inventory I (1988), Executive Function Inventory Brief (2005), and the Garnafsky et al. (2003) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Inventory. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS software version 23. The results revealed a significant difference between executive functions and cognitive emotion regulation in the two groups of patients with depressive disorder and anxiety disorders (P < 0.05). People with depressive disorder had better performance in the indicators of attention transfer, self-control, planning and organization than participants with anxiety disorders. Also, in positive emotion regulation strategies, especially acceptance, the depression group had a better situation, while in negative strategies such as rumination and blaming others, the anxiety group showed better performance. The findings of the present study can be used in the design of cognitive emotional interventions and rehabilitation programs for patients with depression and anxiety.