The guidelines provided by the New York State Workers Compensation Board offer essential principles for addressing depression and depressive disorders related to work. These directives are crafted to aid mental health professionals in identifying suitable therapeutic approaches within a comprehensive assessment framework.
Mental health professionals specializing in managing work-related depression and depressive disorders can depend on the guidance outlined by the Workers Compensation Board to make informed decisions about the most appropriate therapeutic methods for their clients.
It is important to stress that these guidelines are not intended to replace clinical judgment or professional expertise. The final decision regarding the management of work-related depression and depressive disorders should involve collaboration between the client and their mental health provider.
Introduction to Work-Related Depression and Depressive Disorders
- Overview: Work-related depression and depressive disorders encompass various diagnoses, including Major Depressive Disorder, Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition, Adjustment Disorder, and Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder. While each condition has distinct characteristics, this guideline aims to provide definitions for each disorder, explain their differences, and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic options that may be effective when appropriately applied.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Features: Major depressive episodes are characterized by a period of at least two weeks marked by depressed mood or loss of interest in most activities. MDD involves multiple depressive symptoms that persist and significantly disrupt social and/or occupational functioning, such as depressed mood, loss of pleasure, changes in weight or sleep patterns, fatigue, and impaired cognitive abilities. Suicidal thoughts or actions may occur, and the disorder is often recurrent.
Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
- Characteristics: This condition is defined by a persistent period of depressed mood or diminished interest in activities, directly resulting from another medical condition. It must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning and cannot be better explained by another mental disorder.
Adjustment Disorder
- Definition: Adjustment Disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms triggered by identifiable stressors within three months of their onset. These symptoms are disproportionate to the stressor’s severity and can include depression among other reactions.
Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
- Criteria: This disorder manifests as a disturbance in mood, characterized by depressed mood or reduced interest in activities, associated with substance intoxication or withdrawal, or after exposure to certain medications. It must cause significant distress or impairment and not be better explained by another depressive disorder.
History and Examination
- Diagnostic Process: Establishing a diagnosis of depressive disorders requires a comprehensive clinical interview, physical examination, and relevant laboratory testing. DSM-5 criteria should guide the diagnosis, with attention to identifying co-occurring conditions or alternative diagnoses. Physical examination and laboratory tests, including thyroid studies, complete blood count, and toxicology panels, are performed based on clinical indications. Structured instruments like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 9 can aid in collecting information and tracking treatment response.
