Cognitive and social functioning in recovery from depression:: Results from a population-based three-year follow-up

Background: This study prospectively examined cognitive and social functioning in recovery from depression using participants sampled from the general population. Method: Seventy-six depressed persons fulfilling (n=41) and not fulfilling (n=35) the criteria for DSM-IV depression at a three-year follow-up were compared with respect to episodic memory performance and social functioning at baseline (T1), at follow-up (T2) and change across time. Results: The groups did not differ in episodic memory performance either at T1, T2 or in residual change. However, the groups differed in social functioning at T2 and in residual change indicating improved social functioning in the recovered group. Limitation: The absence of a healthy control group at follow-up. Conclusion: Despite the symptomatic improvement and improved social functioning, cognitive functioning does not follow this general recovery trend, at least not in the three-year interval examined. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.