Toward Effective Work Accommodations for Depression

OBJECTIVE: Heterogeneity of depression experiences has led to suggestions that interventions focus on depression symptom combinations rather than depression severity alone. Our analyses explore the question, "What is the relationship between different combinations of depression symptoms and work productivity losses?" METHODS: These analyses use a population-based sample of 2219 working adults. Using the PHQ-8 items, cluster analysis methods were used to identify depression symptom clusters. The Work Limitations Questionnaire's four work productivity loss dimensions were regressed on the identified depression symptoms clusters. RESULTS: The symptoms clusters of workers with mild to moderate depression had significant but similar work productivity losses. However, the symptom combinations within these clusters of workers varied. CONCLUSION: To create effective work accommodations, attention should focus on the combinations of depression symptoms and specific job characteristics rather than severity alone.