Cognitive dysfunction is an important problem in patients with major depressive disorder. One paper (Mahableshwarkar et al., 2015) noted that, “From the perspective of overall functional performance, the degree of cognitive dysfunction in patients with MDD is comparable to that after 24 h of sleep deprivation or with blood alcohol levels sufficient to be considered legally impaired (driving, and so on).”
It has been noted that, in contrast to persons with dementia or schizophrenia, persons with major depressive disorder more often return to work after they improve. Any residual cognitive impairment that they may have from the major depressive disorder can have a deleterious effect on their work performance (Adler et al, 2006).
Related Pages
A Deeper Understanding of the DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (Free)
Grief versus Major Depression (Free)
Atypical features (in depressive episodes)
Anxious distress (in depressive episodes)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Free)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (Free)
Management of PMDD
Antidepressants: Main Page (Index and Links)
“Depression”: Main Page (Index and Links)
References
Adler DA, McLaughlin TJ, Rogers WH, Chang H, Lapitsky L, Lerner D. Job performance deficits due to depression. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Sep;163(9):1569-76. PubMed PMID: 16946182; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4269259.
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