Longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and work outcomes in clinically treated patients with long-term sickness absence related to major depressive disorder

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) negatively affects a wide range of work outcomes (absenteeism, work productivity, work limitations). However, the exact longitudinal relationship between depressive symptoms and work outcomes in MDD patients with long-term sickness absence is still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the temporal and directional relationship between depressive symptoms and various work outcomes in these patients. Methods Patients ( n =117) were diagnosed with MDD according to DSM-IV criteria, had a median duration of MDD-related sickness absence of 4.8 months (IQR=2.6–10.1 months) at baseline, and were referred by occupational physicians. All patients received outpatient treatment for their MDD. Depressive symptoms and work outcomes were examined during baseline, and 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-ups. Results Within-subject changes in the severity of depressive symptoms were significantly related to within-subject changes in all work outcomes (all scales: p