Energy and improved workplace productivity in depression

Abstract

This study reviews and examines the role of low energy in the relationship of depression to decreased work productivity. Three-month findings are presented from a naturalistic clinical study of depression treatment in 573 primary care patients. Low energy was the most frequently reported symptom, was more predictive of poorer work and social functioning than other aspects of depressive symptomatology, and its improvement was more strongly related to improved work productivity than was a decrease in the number of depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that depression interventions to raise energy level may also be most suitable in speeding a return to work productivity.