The impact of cognitive impairment on the social functioning of patients with depressive disorders
Determination of cognitive impairment and its impact on social functioning in patients with non-psychotic depressive disorders was conducted in a sample of 71 working age patients of both sexes with a primary depressive episode, recurrent depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Social functioning scores, which were assessed by the SDS, Q-les-Q, Rustanovich scale, and PSP scales, significantly correlated with the level of depressive symptoms severity, duration of depressive disorder, the professional status of patients and cognitive impairment. The average cognitive profile of patients with depressive disorders characterized primarily by impaired executive functions. However, patients who had the lowest indicators of social functioning, differed more pronounced decrease in the level of cognitive performance. The use of antidepressant therapy has contributed not only to a reduction in depressive symptoms, but also has improved social functioning. The use of neuroprotective drugs in combination with antidepressant therapy resulted in a more pronounced reduction in depressive symptoms and improved cognitive profile of patients with depressive disorders compared with antidepressants monotherapy.