FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF DEPRESSED-PATIENTS ONE-YEAR AFTER HOSPITALIZATION

During hospitalization and at one-year follow-up, 48 patients with a d iagnosis of major depression completed the Inventory to Diagnose Depre ssion and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). Overall change scores rev ealed statistically significant and clinically important improvements in depression and functioning. SIP subscale scores showed no deficits in some functions (communication and bodily care) at baseline, restora tion of functioning in other activities at one-year follow-up, and con tinuing dysfunctions in emotionality, alertness, recreation, socializa tion, and work. The SIP appears useful for measuring disability and pa tterns of recovery in depressed patients.