BACKGROUND: Memory disturbances are frequent in unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and may comprise important predisposing and maintaining factors. Previous studies have demonstrated hippocampal abnormalities in UD and BD but there is a lack of studies specifically assessing hippocampus-dependent memory.

METHODS: We used a virtual task to assess hippocampus-dependent (allocentric) vs non-hipppocampal (egocentric) spatial memory in remitted and partially remitted patients with UD or BD (N = 22) and a healthy control group (N = 32). Participants also completed a range of standard neuropsychological and functional assessments.

RESULTS: Participants in the UD/BD group showed selective impairments on high-load hippocampal (allocentric) memory compared to egocentric memory and this effect was independent of residual mood symptoms. Across both samples, both allocentric and egocentric spatial memory correlated with more general measures of memory and other aspects of cognition measured on standard neuropsychological tests but only high-load allocentric memory showed a significant relationship with functional capacity.

CONCLUSION: Results show a selective impairment in high-load allocentric spatial memory compared to egocentric memory in the patient group, suggesting impaired hippocampal functioning in patients with remitted UD/BD.