Functional Impairment and Improvement in Depression

Functional impairment is inherent to depression, but frequently these impairments are more resistant to treatment than the actual symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, a patient cannot truly overcome depression until these impairments are addressed. A number of validated instruments are available to help clinicians assess functional impairment and monitor it throughout treatment. Clinicians must work with patients to develop personalized short-term and long-term functional goals and determine whether pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, or rehabilitative treatment is needed.