Cognitive dysfunction and work productivity in major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is strongly associated with poor work-related outcomes. Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in MDD, and research supports a correlation between greater depression severity and more pronounced cognitive deficits, which frequently persist after remission.

Areas covered: Given the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, and the humanistic and economic impact of occupational impairments in individuals with MDD, the relationship between cognitive dysfunction in MDD and work-related outcomes requires characterization. A selective review of the literature was conducted to better understand and further highlight this relationship.

Expert commentary: Although current evidence is limited, MDD-related cognitive dysfunction may have a direct negative impact on work productivity. Presenteeism is the key outcome impacted by cognitive deficits in MDD. Additional well-designed prospective observational research may clarify how cognitive dysfunction influences the MDD–work productivity relationship. Use of reliable, valid, and sensitive measures of cognitive functioning and work productivity in MDD is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Major depressive disorder
• depression
• work productivity
• cognition
• cognitive function
• cognitive dysfunction
• cognitive impairment
• presenteeism
• absenteeism

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Merikle of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd for her diligent review of this manuscript and Kate Lothman of RTI Health Solutions for providing medical writing and editorial services.

Declaration of interest

This study was supported by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd and H. Lundbeck A/S. V Perez is an employee of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. M Clark and D DiBenedetti are employees of RTI Health Solutions, hired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. to assist in research and manuscript development. RTI Health Solutions is a business unit of RTI International and provides consulting services to primarily support the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industry. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.